The Pike County Nutrition Education Program works with SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients to plan nutritious meals on a limited budget.  Our entire staff commits thousands of hours annually to engaging our community in nutrition and health education to improve the quality of life in Pike County.  Our two federally funded nutrition assistants graduated 225 families from their USDA curriculum “Healthy Choices for Every Body” this year.  Its 12 lessons focus on meal planning, budgeting for food spending, food safety and proper exercise.  

As part of their adult education efforts, our assistants collaborate with many service providers.  The Pike County Detention Center, Westcare Rehabilitation Center and The Shelby Valley Veteran’s Transitional Center are all important partners in our programming.   We have provided a critical piece of education as residents in these programs begin to rebuild their lives.   All three groups reported they gained skills in meal planning, budgeting for food and food safety.  The veterans also learned about reading food labels in response to health conditions and diet restrictions.  One veteran said he felt better since he started exercising more and drinking water instead of energy drinks after completing the class.

One goal of SNAP programming is to educate families with young children and SNAP eligible individuals to plan nutritious meals on a limited budget, acquire safe food handling practices, improve food preparation skills, and change behavior necessary to have a healthy lifestyle.  When working with our school-age population, our assistants have provided interactive workshops on physical activity, eating fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy products.  Nearly 800 elementary students in Pike County graduated this year with a 90% improvement in choosing foods consistent with Federal Dietary Guideline recommendations. Additionally we work with both public and private schools so all Pike County students get the same opportunity to learn about health and food in a fun and energetic environment.