With previous successful partnerships between Pike County Cooperative Extension Service Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program and the Pike County Jail and Detention Center West Care Rehabilitation Group, an opportunity for ongoing programming has emerged. We collaborated to provide programs residents with The Healthy Choice for Everybody Curriculum Recently in 2020, the program graduated 100 percent of the group of sixteen men.

The Healthy Choice for Everybody Curriculum was used to teach clients correct portion sizes, and healthier alternatives to fast and prepackaged meals. Clients can demonstrate proper food preparation and proper portion sizing. Lessons were conducted on understanding the five food groups and how many calories are needed a day from each food group. They learned how to plan weekly menus, and why it saves money to shop from a grocery list. The men can demonstrate what nutrients to look for on food labels and best practices for kitchen food safety. Clients demonstrated an understanding for the need to eat a healthy breakfast and for drinking plenty of water, especially in feeding children.

Sixteen men ages 18-59, entered the program with 100% graduating. This class was a success by the clients improving 88 % on Diet Quality such as eating more fruits and vegetables, switching to low fat dairy products. They improved in 80% on Food Safety by learning how to keep food safe, such as not thawing food on the counter, and 83% Food Resource Management by not running out of food before the end of the month and planning meals. 

One Client wrote “I learned the importance of checking labels of the items I purchased for the nutritional value and making a shopping list and sticking to it. I will be better prepared in life to be able to maintain a healthier life style for me and my children.” Another one wrote “I am confident that I will make healthier meals for my family.”