Maryland SNAP-Ed teaches youth in schools how to eat healthy and be physically active.
Maryland SNAP-Ed is also referred to as the Food Supplement Nutrition Education (FSNE) Program. The program delivers school-based programming to youth, parents/caregivers, and teachers. The program uses:
- In-person nutrition education lessons for youth
- Newsletters and flyers for parents
- Resources for teachers to learn how to be healthy role models and make small changes in the classroom
- School-wide programs like Smarter Lunchrooms
- School gardens, which are accessible to all members of the school community
These things together collectively improve the school environment and community environment. They also improve the classrooms, cafeterias, and home environments.
Number of Participants
26,398 participants in FY16.
Plus, 838,147 contacts through newsletters, texts, blogs, emails, and Web site.
Target Audience
Youth and their families who are eligible for or receiving SNAP benefits.
Program Evaluation
The program is evaluated with pre-then-post surveys completed by youth, parents, and teachers. FSNE nutrition educations also conduct environmental assessments
Program Success
After the FSNE program…
- More kids feel confident about preparing fruits or vegetables at home, 78% after vs 71% before.
- More parents say their child is getting an hour of physical activity per week, 88% after vs 76% before.
- More teachers see students choosing healthy foods, 70% after vs. 57% before.
- More teachers see parents trying to improve nutrition in the classroom, 49% after vs. 35% before.
- More teachers see parents trying to improve nutrition in the school environment, 57% after vs. 41% before.
- More teachers say that eat healthy foods, like fruits and vegetables, in front of their students, 69% after vs. 52% before.
- More teachers are trying to improve their school to help students be healthier, 42% after vs. 35% before.
- More teachers report that students are offered healthy foods throughout the day, 82% before vs. 75% after.
- 88% of schools made at least one change to improve the nutrition or food environment.
- 77% of schools made at least one change to improve the physical activity environment.
- 62% of schools with FSNE were recognized for making healthy changes or promoting healthy environments. Local, state, or national awards included Alliance for a Healthier Generation and Let’s Move! Active School
This story was submitted by the Maryland Food Supplement Nutrition Education (FSNE) Program, a SNAP-Ed Agency. For more information contact Erin Braunscheidel or Lisa Lachenmayr.