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Upcoming Events with WSU Pierce County SNAP-Ed

Program Contact: Linda Mathews, SNAP-Ed Program Manager
(253) 798-7154 • lmathews@wsu.edu

What is SNAP-Ed?

SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) is a federal program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). It is the nutrition education and obesity prevention component of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). The goal of SNAP-Ed is to improve the likelihood that persons eligible for SNAP will make healthy food choices within a limited budget and choose physically active lifestyles consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

About WSU Pierce County SNAP-Ed

The WSU Extension Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) is a free education program for Pierce County residents who receive or are eligible to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits (previously known as Food Stamps). The program also is available to schools and community sites that meet certain free and reduced lunch criteria.

SNAP-Ed works to provide participants with the tools and resources to improve their overall health and wellness and, in turn, improve their family’s well-being. Through a series of interactive lessons, the program encourages Pierce County residents to consume more fruits and vegetables, teach individuals how to buy and prepare healthier food, and help low-income adults learn how to manage their budgets to buy healthier food options.

SNAP-Ed is completed as a series of workshops or as single events, each providing evidence-based nutrition education in alignment with the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines For Americans. All materials, take-home resources, food samples, and in-person instruction is provided at no cost by the SNAP-Ed program.

Through workshops and community outreach, SNAP-Ed is making a difference. Check out the impact Pierce County has made along with King County in Washington SNAP-Ed State Report Infographic. Read about the benefits of SNAP-Ed supported School Gardens in our Policy Brief Report (pdf).