1. FOOD $ENSE (SNAP-Ed)

2. So what is Food $ense? Federally Funded Program Provides Nutrition Education for food stamps (SNAP) recipients Helps participants reach optimal nutrition while living on a budget

3. Food Stamps (SNAP) and Food $ense Provides nutrition education to those eligible Food Stamps (SNAP) participants eligible for Food $ense benefits

4. How it all started Started in 1992 By 2003, 49 states participating. Caters to mothers and children

5. What is available to you? Free classes taught all over Utah Local Farmers’ Market Blogs Website/Online Lessons Media involvement

6. Free Classes! Creates curriculum taught Addresses essentials needed to create your own family meal Tutorials to create casseroles, soups, pizzas and much more!

7. Main Focus of Classes: Provide knowledge and opportunities for participants to create something of their own Provide access to resources and encourage creativity in the kitchen Help participants differentiate between foods, learn how to use them, and try different cooking methods

8. Example Class CREATE a stir Fry – Prepare 1 protein – Marinate protein – Prepare produce – Warm skillet – Make sauce or glaze

9. Sample Class cont. Additional goals/help: – properly stocked pantry – How to handle tofu Kitchen equipment for each meal Cooking safely

10. Additional help May not be familiar with certain foods or procedures. Interactive and fun way to solidify information Provide you with confidence to CREATE meals in YOUR home.

11. Successes with Creates A participant who had been using the “Live well Utah” Booklet said that their family had been using it to choose a new vegetable each week. They reported trying a Kale and pasta salad, something that was very new to them. “Even though I have cooked for years and watched a few programs on the cooking channel, I have been very happy and excited from what I’ve learned at the classes.” – Creates Participant

12. Local Farmers Market Cache Valley Farmers Market – Food $ense booth – Samples with fresh produce from market – Accepts Food Stamps (SNAP)

13. Blogs Eat Well Utah: Statewide Blog – Education and online lessons Snappily Ever After: Using Food Stamps (SNAP) – One moms ideas and tips for living on a budget

14. Online Classes/Website Classes: – Take lessons and complete quizzes (cookbook) Website: – How to Plan – How to Cook – How to Eat – Recipes!

15. Media Facebook page Pinterest Board Instagram

16. Conclusion FREE! Create classes provide hands on experience and encourage creativity Resources easily accessed Questions?