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Summary

UGA SNAP-Ed provides innovative, culturally tailored, evidence-based multi-level nutrition education to persons eligible for SNAP-Ed to help them make healthy choices within a limited budget and choose active lifestyles.

Situation

Obesity, poor nutrition, and limited physical activity are significant health concerns, which often lead to chronic disease. Poor health disproportionately affects minority and low?income populations. Coffee County is ranked higher than national and state levels in terms of poverty (28%), food insecurity (19%), and adult obesity (32%). On average, there are 10,486 residents receiving SNAP benefits each month in Coffee County. These individuals have low access to healthy foods, physical activity facilities, and healthcare services, all of which suggest increased need for evidence-based, culturally appropriate nutrition education and obesity prevention interventions.

Response

UGA SNAP-Ed offers Food Talk classes, consisting of six learner-centered sessions to enhance healthy eating behaviors including: food resource management, food safety, food preparation, and physical activity. This curriculum is primarily delivered face-to-face by trained paraprofessionals, following the peer-educator model. Food Talk is delivered in low-income and food desert areas, therefore reaching a population that is primarily low-income, minority and a higher level of obesity, chronic disease and other health disparity.

Impact

In 2016, there were 71 low-income participants who enrolled in the UGA SNAP-Ed program in Coffee County, completing 303 hours of classes. Of these, 43 (61%) completed the program. ? Of the participants, 61% were minorities, 66% earned an income <185% of the federal poverty limit and 20% received at least one public assistance including SNAP, Free or reduced-price school lunch program, and WIC. ? 87% of participants were overweight or obese. ? 64% of participants showed improvement in one or more food resource management practices (i.e., plan meals, compare prices, does not run out of food, or uses grocery lists). ? 20% of participants increased their daily physical activity. The proportion of participants reporting over 30 minutes of daily physical activity rose from 35% at entry to 42% at exit. ? 77% of participants reported improvement in one or more nutrition practices (i.e., using “Nutrition Facts” labels to compare foods, preparing foods without adding salt). Coffee participants' testimonies indicate that UGA SNAP-Ed made an impact on their lives. “I learned there are several quick healthier meals I can prepare for my family. Many food items I wouldn't normally buy, I have bought and tried. I learned that I do not have to have salt on everything.” “[I learned] quick healthy meals don't have to take hours preparing” “[I learned] not to use too much salt. Don't eat too much fried food. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.” “[I learned] how to add color to your plate! How to make fun and simple meals that are enjoyable for my family!”

State Issue

Health & Wellness

Details

  • Year: 2016
  • Geographic Scope: County
  • County: Coffee
  • Program Areas:
    • Family and Consumer Sciences

Author

  • Smith, Laura T.
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