An adult Nutrition Education Program group with 31 participants was held at Southwest Center in Jefferson County. Lessons were presented by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Educator (SNAP-Ed) with the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service using the “Healthy Choices for Every Body” curriculum, which focused around seven core lessons. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults with disabilities were 13% more likely to have high blood pressure than adults without any disability. This made it clear to the SNAP-Ed Assistant that sodium and high blood pressure would be a main focus for this particular group.

                The participants were able to practice and prepare recipes in class, which would then translate into their own kitchen. One recipe used was the Tailgater Caviar. All of the ingredients were in the form of canned food items, which are particularly high in sodium. The SNAP-Ed Assistant pointed this fact out, and the assistant taught the participants how and why it is important to drain and rinse canned foods items in order to lower the sodium content.

                After the seven core lessons were completed, there was a drastic decrease in salt consumption among the participants. The average amount consumed before the classes were taught was 2,258.8 mg of sodium per day, and the amount consumed after the classes had been taught was 1,676.3 mg. Each of the participants enjoyed the class so much they always asked the participants what they would be learning and making for the food demonstration the next week!