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What is SNAP-Ed?
SNAP-Ed is a free nutrition education program that helps people make their SNAP dollars stretch, teaches them how to cook healthy meals, and lead physically active lifestyles.
Facts About Arkansas SNAP-Ed
Nationally, SNAP-Ed operates in 50 states, plus two territories.
SNAP-Ed is funded by USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service.
The goal is to improve the likelihood that families and individuals who receive SNAP benefits will make healthy food choices and choose active lifestyles.
SNAP-Ed partners with the Arkansas Department of Human Services offices, Arkansas Department of Health WIC clinics, Head Start programs, senior citizen centers, commodity distribution sites, and public schools where 50% or more of the students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.
The DHS does not manage the SNAP-Ed programs implemented with partnering agencies. The implementing agencies manage their own programs.
SNAP-Ed Implementing Agencies in Arkansas
Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance (ARHA)
Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance services all 75 counties in Arkansas.
The Alliance primarily utilizes a Train-the-Trainer model to support a statewide network of community partners who provide evidence-based cooking classes where participants learn about cooking, meal planning, grocery shopping, food budgeting, and nutrition. These classes are hands-on, learner-centered food skills education based on current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and USDA MyPlate and are held in convenient, familiar locations.
Programs include:
- Nutrition Education: A core program used to combat food insecurity, envisioning an Arkansas where all people have reliable, affordable food choices, and the confidence and skills to create enjoyable, healthy meals.
- Cooking Matters: A six-session class where participants cook together, eat together, and are sent home with a bag full of nutritious food to practice the recipes taught in class.
- Food Smarts: A program implemented through the lens of trauma and resilience, showing that positive, nourishing food experiences can heal an individual, encourage healthy community norms, and promote nutrition security.
- Grocery Store Tours: A single-session program that teaches shoppers how to save money, read nutrition labels, and make healthier food choices.
Contact Information:
1400 West Markham St., Ste 304, Little Rock, AR. 72201
501-399-9999
Visit ARHA Website
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture (UADA)
UADA services all 75 counties in Arkansas.
Programs include:
- Choose Health: Food, Fun, and Fitness (CHFFF): A curriculum for 8-15-year-olds focused on healthy eating and active play.
- Grow It, Try It, Like It!: A garden-themed nutrition education kit introducing children to fruits and vegetables.
- Kids in the Kitchen: Recipes and resources for food preparation and cooking.
- School-Based Programs: Hands-on learning experiences, food demonstrations, and small-group discussions.
Contact Information:
2301 South University Ave., Little Rock, AR. 72204
501-671-2092
Visit UADA Website
University of Arkansas Pine Bluff (UAPB)
UAPB serves Ashley, Monroe, and Jefferson Counties and targets citizens of all ages and backgrounds.
Programs include:
- MyPlate: A visual tool for making balanced food choices.
- Food Resource Management: Teaches shopping practices and stretching food dollars.
- Food Preparation Projects: Focuses on cooking, meal prep, and healthy food habits.
- Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP): Improves the health and nutrition of participants and fosters data collection for best practices.
Contact Information:
SNAP Nutrition Education, P.O. Box 4996, 1200 N. University Drive, Pine Bluff, AR. 71601
(870) 575-7227
Who is Eligible to Participate in SNAP-Ed?
- SNAP recipients
- Households eligible for SNAP benefits based on income and resources
- Households receiving or eligible for other means-tested Federal assistance programs (TEA and Healthcare)
- Individuals in communities with a significant low-income population
What Can You Expect from SNAP-Ed?
- Healthy recipes on a budget
- Nutrition education resources and materials
- Physical activity-related skills
- Community initiatives
Have Questions?
Visit these websites for more information:
