In 2017 Kentucky’s adult obesity rate was 34.3%, making it the 8^th highest in the United States.  Almost 50% of Bourbon Countians suffer from hypertension and 21% reported poor or fair health.  In an effort to make residents of Bourbon County healthier a partnership was created between The Bourbon County Cooperative Extension Service and Accutran, a non-profit agency that employees low-resource individuals that may have job barriers and/or disabilities.  The employees attended nutrition education classes during their lunch that focused on using My Plate as an eating guide, Meal Planning to include more nutritious foods, Eating Better on a Budget, Food Safety, Reading Labels, making healthier Breakfast choices, and Knowing the Limits of certain foods.    

There were sixteen participants who completed the required 7 sessions.  At the end of the program 48% (16 of 16) of participants showed improvement in one or more diet quality indicators (i.e., eating fruits, vegetables, red and orange vegetables, dark green vegetables, drinking less regular soda (not diet), drinking less fruit punch, fruit drinks, sweet tea, or sports drinks, and cooking dinner at home).  Over half of those who completed the program reported an increase in their physical activity.   Also, as a result of this partnership 81% showed an improvement in their meal planning before grocery shopping.  Lastly, all of the individuals who completed the program had at least one positive change in the food group behaviors.  One participant commented "I like that we not only get new recipes but we get to try them before we buy them.  I don't want to waste money on things that my family will not eat.  Now I know that we will eat this food and it's good for us too!"