- Dotson, V. Renee
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. Gilmer County has a high prevalence of adult obesity (27%) and is ranked higher than national and state levels in terms of poverty (20%) and food insecurity (15%). On average, there are 4,393 residents receiving SNAP benefits each month in Gilmer 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 79 low-income participants who enrolled in the UGA SNAP-Ed program in Gilmer County, completing 370 hours of classes. Of these, 58 (73%) completed the program. ? Of the participants, 15% were minorities, 77% earned an income <185% of the federal poverty limit and 62% received at least one public assistance including SNAP, Free or reduced-price school lunch program, and WIC. ? 70% of participants were overweight or obese. ? 86% 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). ? 27% of participants increased their daily physical activity. The proportion of participants reporting over 30 minutes of daily physical activity rose from 51% at entry to 63% at exit. ? 86% of participants reported improvement in one or more nutrition practices (i.e., using “Nutrition Facts” labels to compare foods, preparing foods without adding salt). Gilmer participants' testimonies indicate that UGA SNAP-Ed made an impact on their lives. “I learned to use Italian Seasoning instead of salt. I also learned not to eat the seasoning packet in Ramen Noodles because it has too much salt in it.” “[I learned about] eating healthy on a budget; shopping wisely; try new recipes” “[I] have learned how to plan my meals to help save money; have learned to eat a variety of foods had never tried before and found I loved them” “Have fruit bowl on table, buying healthier snacks, watching for too much sugar hidden in foods.”
State Issue
Food, Nutrition and Health
Details
- Year: 2016
- Geographic Scope: County
- County: Gilmer
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Program Areas:
- Family and Consumer Sciences
Author
Collaborator(s)
CAES Collaborator(s)
- Pritchett, Rebecca
Extension Impact