Clients using food models to plan healthy meals.
Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle Through Nutrition Education
The University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) and the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) have developed a joint proposal to address the nutrition education needs of Food Stamp recipients in California.
The major goal of the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program (FSNEP) has been to improve the nutrition-related skills of Food Stamp recipients, specifically those skills related to selecting, purchasing and preparing a low-cost nutritional diet for themselves and their family. FSNEP has the following objectives:
- Improved self-sufficiency of Food Stamp recipients
- Decreased reliance on emergency food resources
- Increased skills in food budgeting and meal planning
- Improved diet for the entire family
- Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables
- Increased variety in food choices
- Improved food preparation skills
- Improved knowledge of safe food practices
Cooperative Extension Nutrition Educators conduct onsite classes and mini-workshops at various Placer County locations serving food stamp recipients. Mini-workshops include 1-hour food demonstrations and tastings which allow attendees to sample foods that can be easily prepared at home for their families. Recipes and other pertinent information are also distributed.
Class series (four to five classes1-1/2 to 2 hours each) are also available and have been presented to clients at such local locations as Placer Womens' Center, New Leaf and New Leaf Residential, Progress House, Sierra Council and Sierra Family Services. Topics covered include: nutritious eating using the food guide pyramid, food shopping tips, evaluating nutrition content of fast food, food preparation skills, food safety and sanitation, and feeding infants and children. Classes are interactive, with activities and mini-cooking lessons included at some sites.
Displays are also available for agencies who would like posters, nutrition information pamphlets or recipes to distribute to food stamp clients.
For more information on food stamp nutrition education outreach, contact a UCCE Program Representative at 530-889-7350.