The convenience of fast food has cut down on family meal time at home adding to the increase adults being overweight in Bell County.

According to Kentuckyhealthfact.org in 2018 the population in Bell County was 26,569 and the prevalence of overweight adults was at 79%. 

The Bell County Supplemental Nutrition Program Assistance Assistant through the University of Kentucky SNAP-Ed Program partnered with Just Family Adult Day Care to implement the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum and educate the participants on the importance of cooking meals at home instead of choosing the convenience of fast foods. Upon entry of the program only 28% of the participants cooked meals at home on a regular basis. Teaching them how to make healthier food choices by reading labels and knowing their limits on solid fats and added sugars made a big difference when going to the grocery store. Helping them to plan meals and make grocery list not only saves time when shopping but money to. Preparing and sampling healthy recipes with each lesson taught the group now has more knowledge of making healthy food choices. By the end of the program 100% of the participants showed a change in cooking meals at home more days a week. One participant stated “This program has helped me to realize that not all healthy foods taste bad. I cook at home almost every day now instead of eating fast food all the time. Not only do I feel better but I’m starting to lose a little weight to.”