The Scott County Extension Program Assistant for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Education Program (SNAP-Ed) identified that clients struggle with accessing healthy food due to financial issues.  Extension partnered with Transform Scott County, Habitat for Humanity, and Community Action Council to conduct a series of five classes called, the Self Sufficiency Workshop. Even though four out of five adults that completed the program were employed, they still required assistance to meet basic needs.   The SNAP-Ed Healthy Choices curriculum was used to teach nutrition, food preparation skills, and food safety.  The community partners provided financial management lessons and increased awareness and access to community resources.   

At each session, participants learned the health benefits of eating a variety of foods, prepared and sampled new foods or favorite foods prepared in a healthier way.  While enjoying the healthy options, Transform Scott County presented Making Money Work. 

The results of the NEERS pre and post survey showed that 80% of the participants improved in four or more diet quality indicators (i.e., eating more fruits & vegetables, and sweetened beverages, and cooking dinner at home).  Eighty (80%) percent improved in one or more food safety indicators (i.e., washing hands before preparing food, washing all items and surfaces after cutting raw meat or seafood, not thawing frozen food at room temperature, or using a meat thermometer). All participants showed improvement in one or more food resource management practices (i.e., cook dinner at home, compare food prices, plan meals before shopping, look in refrigerator or cupboard before shopping, or make a list before shopping) while 80% reported improvement in at least four food resource management practices.