The OSU Extension Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) is a free education program for Franklin 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. For example, our OSU Extension, Franklin County SNAP-Ed team has taught free programs for youth at the Boys and Girls Club of Columbus, Child Development Council of Franklin County Head Start, and Columbus City Schools and for adults through Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services and Lutheran Social Services... just to name a few!

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 seeks to introduce youth to new fruits and vegetables, teach families how to buy and prepare healthier food, and help low-income families learn how to manage their budgets to buy healthier food options.

SNAP-Ed is completed as a series of workshops or lessons, each providing evidence-based nutrition education in alignment with the USDA’s MyPlate guidelines. Typically, the program is structured to be at least three sessions lasting approx. 45 minutes per session, depending on the ages of participants. All materials, take-home resources, food samples, and in-person instruction is provided at no cost by the SNAP-Ed program.

Want to learn more about the program? Interested in hosting a SNAP-Ed series through your organization or school? Contact Danielle Seidita at seidita.2@osu.edu or 614-292-8274 for more information.

 


USDA-FNS statement: The U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.) If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). For any other information dealing with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) issues, persons should either contact the USDA SNAP Hotline Number at (800) 221-5689, which is also in Spanish or call the State Information/Hotline Numbers, found online at http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/contact_info/hotlines.htm.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.