A new partnership between the Pike county Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program(EFNEP) and Goodwill has providedand opportuity for EFNEP to assist people in the transition and return back to their communities successfully.  The Pike County EFNEP Assistant teaches seven (7) required lessons virtually from the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum to Goodwill participantsenrolled in RISE (Reintegrating Individuals Successfully Every Day).

RISE participants are taught how to plan and choose healthier foods base on the MYPlATE plan. They learned how to read labels, meal planning how to portion out food, how to eat better on a budget, and food safety. And the end of the lesson series, the EFNEP Assistant provides each participant the lessons, recipes, and a variety of kitchen utensils needed to prepare the recipes. 

Eight participates entered the program with a 100% graduation rate. Eighty-nine percent showed improvement in nutrition practices; 93% improved in food food resource managment; 84% improved in physical activity; and 88 % in food safety. 

One client told me:I am positive I will forever keep with me the knowledge that was given to me about feeding myself and my children in a healthier manner and constantly teaching these habits to them as they grow up so they can become healthier and happier adults.