SNAP-Ed is an evidence-based program funded by the USDA that helps people lead healthier lives. SNAP-Ed teaches people using or eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) about good nutrition, how to make their food dollars stretch further, and the importance of being physically active.
Iowa Nutritional Network School Grant Program
This program aims to increase fruit and vegetable consumption and encourage 60 minutes of daily physical activity to students in grades kindergarten through third grade. INNSGP includes monthly lessons called Pick a Better Snack , two social marketing campaigns, and two optional policy, systems, and environmental change projects called Play Your Way and Farm to School.
Did you know? 24,071 students were reached in 2020 within 107 schools and 22 school districts. Pick a Better Snack reached 329,216 people, and Play Your Way reached 329,934 people through social marketing. Learn more about Healthy Eating and Active Living.
Fresh Conversations
A program that aims to lower nutritional risk and decrease sedentary time that supports healthy aging and independence in older adults aged 60+. Fresh Conversations includes monthly meetings that facilitate conversations about healthy eating and active living using newsletters based on current nutrition and health topics.
Did you know? Fresh Conversations launched a new virtual format in 2020, and 1,811 older adults were reached at congregate meal sites and in their homes through conference calls and video conferencing.
Physical Activity Access Project
A PSE intervention aimed at improving and enhancing walkability and bikeability in local communities. Current community projects are targeted at sites where older adults live, shop and gather. The project is working to expand to other communities and include other priority populations.
Did you know? Physical Activity Access communities conducted a needs assessment in 2019-2020 to improve walkability and likeability for older adults. Twenty-six new partnerships were formed to help improve older adults' ability to be physically active.
Policy, Systems & Environmental (PSE) Changes
Policy, systems and environmental change approaches seek to go beyond programming and into the networks in which we work, live and play. IDPH SNAP-Ed uses PSE changes to reinforce direct education content.
Evidence has shown that PSE change projects and strategies are able to reach broader audiences, and when successful, create sustainable changes that promote healthy behaviors and make healthy choices readily available and accessible to communities.
DPH began expanding SNAP-Ed direct education programs to incorporate more funded PSE projects in 2019 in response to USDA encouraging programs to use more community-based, wide-scale interventions. The chart below shows how PSE efforts have continued to grow over the years.
Pick a Better Snack
You're all for your kids eating healthy. You know that they will feel better, act better, sleep better—but getting them to actually eat healthier is easier said than done. Life is busy, food is expensive and kids can be picky. So, what’s a parent to do? Learn more on the PABS page.
Play Your Way!
Physical activity is one of the most important things families can do to stay healthy. Kids who are physically active sleep better, have better moods, and get better grades. It can be hard to find the time in our busy lives. Learn more on the PYW! page.
Partnerships
A list of some of SNAP-Ed's strongest partnerships:
- Iowa State University Extension
- Iowa Department of Education
- Iowa Department on Aging
- Department of Human Services
- The Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
- Transportation Agencies (MPOs/RPAs)
- Local County Public Health Departments Iowa Healthiest State Initiative 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count!
- University of Iowa College of Public Health
- Iowa Farm to School and Early Care Coalition
- FoodCorps Iowa
- Iowa Nutrition Network Partnership
- Iowa Food Bank Association
Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to:
- Mail:
Food and Nutrition Service, USDA
1320 Braddock Place, Room 334
Alexandria, VA 22314; or - Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
- Email: FNSCIVILRIGHTSCOMPLAINTS@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.