This month’s coordinator spotlight:
Julie Evenson, SNAP-Ed Nutrition Program
SNAP-Ed Nutrition is Washington State’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education. It is a practical, hands on nutrition education program available to Washington Basic Food (food stamp) recipients and schools where 50% or more of their students receive free or reduced lunches. This nutrition education program reaches youth and adults in the Kitsap community with information to help participants practice healthy eating habits and choose physically active lifestyles consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and Food Guidance System (ChooseMyPlate.gov).
Let’s learn a little more about Julie and the SNAP-Ed Nutrition Program:
How did you first get involved with SNAP-Ed Nutrition?
I was an athlete growing up, as a result the benefits associated with proper nutrition were introduced to me at an early age. My mom wanted to help give me a competitive edge and researched how to fuel your body for peak performance. She fed me nutrient dense meals and explained how these foods would give me the energy and strength I needed for games and for lifelong health. When I went to college and discovered there were career opportunities in Nutrition, and I could help others lead healthy lifestyles I was all in.
What is the most rewarding part about your job?
The most rewarding aspect about my job is when we succeed in making the healthy choice the easy choice for our SNAP-eligible clients. Whether it’s working with a local food bank to transition them to a “dignified” grocery store shopping model or convincing a school to incorporate “Healthy Celebrations” and “Physical Activity” breaks in their day. It’s the positive health impacts these types of projects produce that keeps me motivated to continue to do this type of work.
What is one important or valuable feature of SNAP-Ed Nutrition that is not commonly known?
Our program within the extension office is unique. One hundred percent of SNAP-Ed’s time, energy and resources goes towards only serving SNAP-eligible (low-income) individuals and families in Kitsap County. As a result, we have to be mindful of what we can say yes to when community members approach us on opportunities. In addition, we don’t have volunteer opportunities within our program, but the low-income individuals we serve do benefit from people in the community who volunteer at the local food banks, for the Kitsap Harvest Gleaning program, school backpack programs, at meal sites etc. If you would like to make a difference by volunteering, please reach out to these partners
Any other information you’d like people to know?
We currently serve students and families in the Bremerton School District through the Fruit & Vegetable Grant and partnering with school staff on incorporating Physical Activity breaks. We are also looking for Farm to School opportunities in this coming year.
SNAP-Ed Community Partners include Kitsap Conservation District, Central Kitsap Food Bank, St. Vincent De Paul Food Bank & Women Shelter, Community Service Office, Kitsap Harvest, Kitsap Public Health, WSU Extension Food System program, Healthy Living & Active Living Coalition, Kitsap Food Bank Coalition, and Kitsap Food System Round Table group.
For more information about our SNAP-Ed Nutrition programming please visit our Home page!
– Posted July 26, 2023