What is SNAP-Ed?
SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) is a program that supports the health and food security of people who are qualified to receive SNAP food benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).
Who can use SNAP-Ed?
In Washington, SNAP is also called Basic Food or Food Stamps. The SNAP-Ed program is for people who receive or are eligible for SNAP benefits. You are eligible for SNAP if your household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) receives funds from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for SNAP and SNAP-Ed. Currently, DSHS partners with Washington State Department of Health (DOH) to provide SNAP-Ed across Washington.
SNAP-Ed Goals
Our goals are to support people eligible for SNAP to:
- Access nourishing food within a limited budget.
- Access safe physical activity spaces and physically active transportation methods.
- Have equitable access to nourishing foods and safe physical activity where people live, work, play, learn, shop, and worship.
Farmers Markets Across WA State
All over Washington, farmers markets partner with food access programs like the Farmers Market Nutrition Program for WIC and Seniors (FMNP), SNAP or SNAP EBT, and a fruit and vegetable initiative called "SNAP Market Match." Farmers markets in Washington state work closely with DSHS, DOH, and local partners to coordinate opportunities, measure outcomes, keep up with changing technologies, and share best practices.
Please get in touch with Washington Connection by dialing 877-501-2233 if you need assistance obtaining food assistance.
Core SNAP-Ed Program Elements
SNAP-Ed connects with people in the places where they eat, live, learn, play, work, and shop. SNAP-Ed uses three key program elements to support healthy lifestyle choices:
Nutrition Education
SNAP-Ed provides nutrition education to individuals, groups of youth, and groups of adults. Education is provided in places like parks, churches, community centers, schools, farmers markets, and food pantries. SNAP-Ed nutrition education classes also build on existing nutrition education and public health nutrition efforts in the community.
Health Promotion
SNAP-Ed promotes eating and accessing nourishing foods and accessing safe physical activity through many efforts, including:
- Cooking demonstrations in food pantries.
- Providing health education at community events, school parent nights, and health fairs.
- Sending meal planning and recipe newsletters to parents of students in nutrition classes.
SNAP-Ed tracks the progress of each effort’s goals and priorities and shares the success of those efforts with the community.
Policy, Systems, and Environmental Strategies
SNAP-Ed partners with communities to plan policy, systems, and environmental changes (PSE). These changes create opportunities for and remove barriers to accessing and eating nourishing foods and safe active environments. SNAP-Ed promotes PSE changes that encourage long-lasting impact to nutrition and physical activity for people with low incomes. These changes drive health equity. For examples of PSE strategies, please visit the Creating Healthy Local Places SNAP-Ed PSE Interactive Map.