The term “food resource management” is defined as managing food dollars wisely in order to provide healthy food for an individual or family for the entire month. Running out of food before the end of the month, before one’s next paycheck, or the next deposit of SNAP benefits, is a major problem for many families with limited resources.   The Mason County Nutrition Education Program Assistant worked with a group of twenty (20) adults to help alleviate this problem.  Using the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum, participants were taught meal and menu planning; eating better on a budget; shopping wisely for food; and keeping food safe, in addition to four core nutrition lessons.

As a result of the classes, ninety-five percent (95%) the group showed improvement in one or more food resource management skills.  Fifty-nine percent (59%) stated they would cook dinner at home more often.  Seventy-three percent (73%) plan meals more often before shopping; and sixty-two (62%) compare food prices more often.