SNAP-Ed is a federal/state partnership that supports nutrition education for persons eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The goal of the SNAP-Ed program is to improve the likelihood that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants and those who are eligible (including WIC recipients) will make healthy choices within a limited budget and choose active lifestyles consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the My Plate program.
Subjects Taught
According to the Food and Nutrition Service, this program focuses its effort on the following behavioral outcomes:
- Eat fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk products every day.
- Be physically active everyday as part of a healthy lifestyle.
- Balance caloric intake from food and beverages with calories expended.
Examples of programs or lesson topics are as follows:
- My Plate/ My Pyramid
- Dietary Guidelines
- Meal Planning/ Budgeting
- Reading Nutrition Labels
- Healthy Cooking Preparation
- Food Safety
- Physical Activity
Related Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my location/organization is eligible for SNAP-Ed services?
If 50% or more of those attending the class or activity meet the guidelines of the target audience, the time involved can be reported for SNAP-Ed. Also, people living in a zip code where 50% or more of the population is at 185% of poverty or below can be counted toward an eligible SNAP-Ed audience. Children attending a school where 50% or more of the students are on free or reduced lunch qualifies a school or after-school program for SNAP-Ed.
What is the difference between Expanded Food Nutrition Education and SNAP-Ed?
Educators in SNAP-Ed teach nutrition education to food benefit recipients, persons that are eligible and seniors. The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program’s main target is to teach nutrition education to low-income audiences with emphasis on families with young children (age 19 or younger).
What services does SNAP-Ed provide?
We provide an array of Nutrition Education to all SNAP-Ed participants and those that are eligible. Services include but are not limited to: Nutrition Education, Food Demonstrations, Meal Planning, and Budgeting.