SNAP-EDUCATION (SNAP-ED) SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM – NUTRITION EDUCATION Karen Smith, CDHS SNAP-Ed Coordinator Food Bank of the Rockies Conference October 23, 2014

SNAP-ED GOAL & FOCUS  GOAL: ‘Improve the likelihood that SNAP recipients/eligibles (or other means-tested federal assistance programs) will make healthy food choices within a limited budget and choose physically active lifestyles consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food guidance.’  FOCUS: ‘Assist the SNAP-Ed target population to establish healthy eating habits and physically active lifestyles to promote health and prevent disease, including obesity.”

OVERSIGHT & FUNDING: CDHS STRATEGY: ADULT CLASSES AT FBR

SNAP-ED BASIC PROGRAM  SNAP-Ed is the Nutrition Education & Obesity Prevention arm of the SNAP (food benefits) program  SNAP-Ed uses evidence-based approaches to improve the likelihood that low-income families with limited budgets will make healthier food and physical activity choices, consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPlate.gov.

SNAP-ED TARGET PARTICIPANTS  SNAP-Ed primarily targets SNAP recipients & SNAP eligibles (like CSFP recipients)  Also serves recipients of means- tested federal assistance programs (like TEFAP, TANF, WIC, Medicaid, etc.)

CURRENT COLORADO SNAP-ED ADULT CLASSES: CMC & CSU-E  Spanish and English classes for 6 or 8 weeks  Make healthy & affordable recipes with simple cookware during class  Each week, participants receive:  food to duplicate recipes made in class cooking demonstrations to test at home with family.  a cooking item that reinforces the class lesson  class lesson activity sheet  Last class: participants get a FREE Cookbook!

ARE CLASSES OFFERED AT YOUR FOOD PANTRY?  CDHS initially targeted 6 pilot FBR food pantries July 2014  Each food pantry hosts CMC or CSU-E classes (based on past history and availability of educators)  CDHS began targeting and coordinating with CMC and CSU-E to roll out more food pantries after October 1, 2014

HOSTING SNAP-ED CLASSES: BASIC REQUIREMENTS  Minimum facility requirements:  Access to kitchen or space to teach up to 15 participants  Hand-washing sink  Electrical outlet(s)  Complete CDHS-SNAP-Ed Program Agreement which includes:  establish 3-4 hour time slot(s) for on-going weekly classes  submit referral forms to CDHS for ~15+ participants /class  make weekly reminder calls to participants (CMC food pantries)  Contact me to notify me of your interest and discuss further (prefer ): Karen Smith  INCENTIVE: Food pantry receives $75.00 administrative subsidy for each class hosted