Volunteers of America Freedom House

The Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program (KSUCEP) continues to provide low-income families in Kentucky with nutrition education to combat food insecurity and nutrition-related health challenges. As part of the efforts being made by KSUCEP, Jefferson County Extension Assistant Emma Robinson provided weekly one hour classes at the Volunteers of America Freedom House Rehabilitation facility (VOA).
Remote work due to the Covid-19 Pandemic created a restructuring phase for programing and allowed class to be formatted and eventually conducted through virtual platforms. Programming with VOA included live food demonstration with an average of 12 women and their infant/ toddlers. Participants in the class learned how to establish healthy eating habits by engaging in experiences that demonstrated ways to eat whole grains, lean proteins and pack their meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
After the completion of 10 classes, when asked the question “Once you leave this program, how is this class going to help you and your family?” Participants responses were “I am going to bring my kids in the kitchen and show them where food comes from and how to prepare it. Let them get an early start on eating well and hope it will stay with them throughout their lives”. Another participant mentioned she was looking forward to making more balanced meals with her family as well as sitting down and eating with them. Another stated she loved learning/seeing how to put a meal together for her family using what she already has in the pantry and fridge. She also stated that normally when she has extra money she likes to go out and eat, but watching and learning how to cook simple healthy meals and enjoy it makes her not want to eat out.
While focusing on recovering, it is our hope that participants of the VOA also understand the important role nutrition has in their overall rehabilitation process. A healthy body equals a healthy mind.