SNAP-Ed Program Overview

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) initiative seeks to improve the likelihood that persons eligible for SNAP will make healthy food choices and choose a physically active lifestyle. Currently, services are targeted in counties with high-obesity and low food security within Georgia. Through strategic partnerships, the program provides direct nutrition education to SNAP-eligible individuals to encourage the consumption of fruits/vegetables to achieve a healthy body weight and support in the development of community gardens in areas with a large SNAP-eligible population. 

Community Gardens

SNAP-Ed partners with local community organization within the local health district catchment area to implement community garden interventions at public housing sites, eligible schools, and qualifying community sites such as churches and parks where at least 50% of the population are considered “SNAP-eligible.” 

Direct Nutrition Education

SNAP-Ed partners with health districts, to implement education classes in collaboration with SNAP-Ed community gardens, where more than 50% of employees are considered “SNAP-eligible.” Local health districts identify qualified sites and deliver monthly direct nutrition education sessions in a group setting. The health districts also engage community coalitions in policy, systems and environmental (PSE) changes to create more supportive nutrition environments and reduce chronic diseases.

Social Marketing Campaigns

Hydrate My State is a statewide campaign initiative that DPH participates in as a funded partner. The campaign promotes the consumption of water and other healthy beverages. All campaign messaging centers on at least one of three points: the link between sugary drinks and chronic diseases, the excess calories in sugary drinks, and the importance of drinking water. The messaging will be promoted through social media postings and during community outreach events.

The DPH social marketing campaign aims to increase awareness of the SNAP-Ed program and provide messaging about eating smart, moving more, and drinking more water. The campaign will target census tracts and zip codes where the SNAP-Ed target audience resides in the funded health districts.

Utilizing  a combination of evidence-based approaches, SNAP-Ed offers 4 interventions to SNAP-Ed eligible adults ages 18-64 across 3 public health districts. The districts are:

• East Metro (Gwinnett) Health District
• North Central (Macon) Health District
• West Central (Columbus) Health District

Additional Resources

• SNAP-Ed Connection
• The Dietary Guidelines for Americans
• The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
• Hydrate My State Infused Water Recipe Cards
• Hydrate My State Fact Sheets
• 2022 SNAP-Ed Fact Sheet
• 2023 SNAP-Ed Fact Sheet

The material was funded by USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program -- SNAP. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. 

For the USDA's full non-discrimination statement, click here. 

Page last updated 10/1/2024