“I have worked for SNAP-Ed in the Waterville and Biddeford areas over a span of 6 years, both pre- and post-COVID. Especially post-pandemic, I have noticed a lack of nutrition education within elementary aged students particularly. I remember teaching in a 3rd grade classroom in 2022 and asking students what their favorite fruit was and…
“The ripple effect of SNAP-Ed in just my community alone is astounding. I hosted a nutrition class at a low-income housing garden with local kids. Kids are natural helpers. They enthusiastically watered and cared for plants in their garden space not knowing they were developing a deep love for the earth and the food they…
“I am a Resident Service Coordinator with Avesta Housing and work with our affordable housing residents to provide education & community engagement activities that create a more fulfilling and empowering place for folks to live. I have worked in both rural communities & in Portland. Whether residents are new to this country, have some disability…
“Middle school students who attended a SNAP-Ed Teen Cuisine class in Hawkins County in east Tennessee enjoyed the lesson on making fresh salsa, where they discussed proper measuring techniques, the use of fresh herbs, food safety, and the pros and cons of fresh versus canned vegetables. Shortly after the class ended, the parent of a…
“My daughter gained so much more confidence to make healthy snacks in the kitchen. She is more knowledgeable after the course and even teaches us (her parents) about good food to fuel our bodies! We would love to see this course (or something similar) expanded into the local schools. This information is so beneficial for…
“I’ve been a SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator for 4.5 years now, and I’ve seen first-hand the impact SNAP-Ed has. SNAP-Ed changes peoples’ perspective on healthy eating. I’ve seen it replace overwhelm and doubt with confidence. People leave a SNAP-Ed series feeling ready and equipped with the tools needed to lead healthier lives. SNAP-Ed provides people of…
“Each semester our Adult Education program hosts a Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator to teach Cooking Matters™ classes to our community. We serve 11 mostly rural Maine towns across Cumberland and Oxford counties, and for many of our residents, this class is a unique opportunity to access and learn healthy eating habits. The Cooking Matters™ class…
“As the coordinator of the South End Teen Center in Waterville, Maine, I’ve seen firsthand how SNAP-Ed helps bridge the gap for youth and families facing food insecurity. Through our partnership, teens have learned to grow, cook, and enjoy nutritious meals – many for the first time. From starting a raised bed garden to incorporating…
“I work at the Alfond Youth and Community Center (AYCC) in Waterville, Maine as the Unified Champion Club (UCC) Coordinator. This is a free program overseen by Special Olympics Maine and has the host site of the AYCC. We serve high school aged and older adults with disabilities. This club serves as a place for…
“I have had the opportunity to have Snap-Ed come into my first grade classroom every month for the past several years! My students get so excited to try new fruit and vegetables! The lessons are engaging and they are more aware of what healthy eating looks like. Many children do not have access to a…
