SNAP-ed
You’ve probably heard about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, but have you heard of SNAP-Ed? As part of National Nutrition Month, we wanted to share more about how the SNAP-Ed program promotes healthy eating and active living for people who are eligible for SNAP/Basic Food.
SNAP-Ed is implemented by a variety of organizations across the state, including Washington State University Extension offices, state and local health departments, nonprofits and other community partners. These organizations use multiple approaches to increase the likelihood that people who are eligible for SNAP will make healthy food choices on a limited budget and be physically active.
SNAP-Ed providers offer nutrition education classes for kids and adults at sites like schools, food banks and pantries, community organizations and housing sites. While nutrition education looks a little different because of pandemic-related closures, educators got creative with their classes, whether meeting outside or donning fun costumes to make classes more engaging for students.
In addition to education, SNAP-Ed increases access to healthy food in places where people who are eligible for SNAP shop, live, eat, learn, play and work. Providers work with sites to establish edible gardens and distribute seedlings to grow fruits, vegetables and herbs; connect local food producers to sites that offer food; and promote healthy options. SNAP-Ed also promotes farmers markets that accept SNAP, helps SNAP shoppers navigate how to use their benefits at the market and offers examples of how to prepare produce.
SNAP-Ed does this work through community partnerships across the state, like SNAP Produce Match and SNAP Market Match, which provide extra benefits for SNAP shoppers to buy fruits and vegetables at grocery stores and farmers markets. As active members of local coalitions, SNAP-Ed providers link partners to other resources, programs and supports.
To learn more about SNAP-Ed or find healthy eating resources, check out SNAP-Ed’s Live Well page.