The University of Georgia SNAP-Education: Food Talk 2016

Summary

UGA SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) provides innovative, culturally tailored, evidence-based multi-level nutrition education to persons eligible for SNAP benefits 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. DeKalb 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 (20%). On average, there are 151,515 residents receiving SNAP benefits each month in DeKalb 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. In 2016, DeKalb County started delivering standalone Food Talk classes at farmer's markets to help promote access to and consumption of fruits and vegetables in areas designated as “food desserts.”

Impact

In 2016, 155 low-income participants enrolled in the UGA SNAP-Ed program in DeKalb County, completing 635 hours of training. During the program's first year, 57% of the participants completed the Food Talk course. ? Of the participants, 85% were minorities, 44% earned an income <185% of the federal poverty limit and 32% received at least one public assistance including SNAP, Free or reduced-price school lunch program, and WIC. ?79% of participants were overweight or obese. ?69% 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). ?17% of participants increased their daily physical activity. ?69% of participants reported improvement in one or more nutrition practices (i.e., using “Nutrition Facts” labels to compare foods, preparing foods without adding salt). Additionally, 206 individuals participated in the UGA SNAP-Ed Food Talk: Farmer's Market program ?Of these, 93% were women, 95% were minorities, and 19% received SNAP benefits. ?99% either agreed or strongly agreed with the statement “I plan to make healthy changes based on the information I learned today” DeKalb participants' testimonies indicate that UGA SNAP-Ed made an impact on their lives. “[I learned] healthier ways to prepare nutritious meals for my family and for me especially given my health issues (heart kidney failure, gout, obesity)” “Recognizing the sodium levels in processed foods. Oftentimes parents run out of dinner options and go to what we've always done. Having the recipes gets the entire family involved.” •“I learned to combine My Plate. I learned to read the products labels.” •“[I learned] healthy meals don't cost that much” •“[I learned] planning weekly meals help save time and money” •“[I learned to] eat more fruits and vegetables. Increase color in my meals.” •“[I learned] how to check and watch for sodium count” Farmer's Market Participants: •“The fact that these classes are right there by the Farmers Market it supports the fact they are supporting healthy living.” •“They gave you new ideas based on good guideline[s] that are considered healthy. I never would have thought to put fruits with nuts.” •“It's free and the information is invaluable health wise and the samples helped switch my mindset.”

State Issue

Food, Nutrition and Health

Details

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