March is National Nutrition Month®. The theme is “Fuel for the Future.” SNAP-Ed is celebrating National Nutrition Month® by sharing resources to help fuel the body.
Make Tasty Foods at Home
Many SNAP-Ed programs teach cooking and meal preparation skills. Cooking food at home saves money and gives you control over what you prepare and eat.
The SNAP-Ed Connection Cooking resource page includes basic tips for cooking for 1-2, using the microwave, and ideas for make-ahead meals. Our Recipes page provides links to quick, easy, and low cost ideas.
During the pandemic, some SNAP-Ed programs were able to continue to teach cooking skills virtually. Online classes have allowed these programs to reach wider audiences, including participants who may face challenges in attending in-person classes. Check out these success stories:
- In Massachusetts, families learned about nutrition, meal planning, budgeting, and meal preparation skills during virtual cooking classes.
- In North Carolina, the Poe Center transitioned its Healthy Habits Camp to a virtual summer camp in 2020. Participants picked up materials via an outdoor drive-thru, and logged in at home to create the recipes together.
Both of these programs plan to continue to offer virtual classes beyond the pandemic to increase reach and provide greater access to families and individuals.
Eat a Variety of Foods from All Food Groups
All five MyPlate food groups: fruits, vegetables, proteins, grains, and dairy feature foods that provide valuable nutrients and are important for forming healthy eating patterns.
SNAP-Ed nutrition education activities align with the Dietary Guidelines and MyPlate, and encourage eating a balanced diet from all food groups. To further promote and deliver these healthy messages to a wide audience, some SNAP-Ed programs have successfully used social marketing campaigns:
- In Georgia, the HealthMPowers Community initiative offers effective programming through multiple channels. They used clear and consistent messaging in collaboration with early child care centers, K - 12 schools, farmers' markets, school gardens, food pantries, and faith-based organizations.
- In Ohio, Celebrate Your Plate (CYP) provides budget-friendly recipes, shopping and cooking tips, and other materials. The program includes a website, outdoor billboards, and videos that are shared across different streaming services.
Stay Nourished and Save Money
Planning meals and snacks ahead of time is one of the best ways to save money and build healthy eating habits. SNAP-Ed programs around the country have developed materials to teach important lessons in meal planning, shopping, and budgeting.
- In Tennessee, SNAP-Ed is working with alternative corrections programs to help people gain skills and confidence to plan, shop, and prepare healthy foods.
- In Colorado, SNAP-Ed is providing grocery store tours, where families can learn how to stretch resources and eat healthy.
Eat with the Environment in Mind
The SNAP-Ed program helps people eat with the environment in mind by establishing and maintaining local gardens, teaching essential gardening skills and encouraging participants to shop at farmers' markets. Some SNAP-Ed programs partner with local organizations and volunteers to develop successful gleaning programs.
Across the country, SNAP-ED works with communities to support healthful and sustainable eating habits.
- In Maine, SNAP-Ed partnered with libraries to provide nutrition education and distribute gleaned produce.
- In Kentucky, the SNAP-Ed Nutrition Program at Kentucky State University partnered with a rehabilitation center to develop a garden.
- Nebraska Extension’s SNAP-Ed has worked with local community partners to provide fresh, locally grown produce to SNAP-Ed participants over the last six years.
SNAP-Ed Helps Families & Communities
SNAP-Ed promotes evidence-based nutrition education and obesity prevention programs for eligible individuals. SNAP-Ed promotes healthy food choices and physical activity. SNAP-Ed staff assist with projects that include nutrition education, social marketing, and policy, systems, and environmental changes (PSE).
