Maine SNAP-Ed Implementer
“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 receiving answers like “cheese!” and “bagels!” It was clear that these students were in need of the classes I was offering. By the end of that school year, those same students could easily sort foods into their correct food groups and tell me why each food group was healthy.
Every year I have had students try a new food and find out they really like it! I remember one first grade student in Fairfield loved the canned peaches I brought to his classroom. His teacher was stunned, as he never tried what I brought, and was an extremely picky eater. That boy went home and asked his mom to start buying him canned peaches, and she wrote a thank you note to the teacher for having SNAP-Ed in her classroom and expanding her son’s palate.
I have had countless interactions like this and love when I can introduce a student to a new food they enjoy. Teachers often share with me that the way SNAP-Ed does not force students to try a new food while also making the exploration of new foods fun makes a big difference for their students. Teachers also pass along similar sentiments from parents, and share that they also notice their students making healthier choices during snack and lunch times because of what they are learning from SNAP-Ed.
I notice the need for SNAP-Ed programming at my adult sites as well. Over the years, I have taught knife skills to those who did not feel comfortable or confident chopping food. I have taught adults how to cook an egg, how to follow a recipe, and how to use different kitchen appliances. I have helped adults begin building habits like meal planning, using coupons, and how to utilize unit price to stretch their grocery dollars.
I believe SNAP-Ed is crucial to both youth and adult populations. My work has made a difference in the lives of others, and I know that if SNAP-Ed were to go away, many of those people would no longer receive any nutrition education.”