SNAP-Ed: The Backbone of a Virginia Rural Town
“At the Jon Henry General Store in New Market, Virginia you’ll find SNAP Ed Agent Kelsey providing hands-on, in store education to shoppers once a week. Through a long partnership with SNAP Ed, the store displays evidence-based information, signage and recipes to educate their customers. As a rural independent grocer, Jon doesn’t have access to an in store nutritionist like the big chains. Instead, he relies on Kelsy and her nutrition interns to teach customers everything from the difference between seed corn and sweet corn, how to cut a pepper and how to make healthy meal choices. Lessons include Canning 101, Meal Planning 101 and nutrition advice. Jon says the science-based, tested information that Kelsy shares is valuable and helps customers choose wisely from the huge array of fresh produce the store carries. Jon participates in Virginia Fresh Match, which makes his bulk prices even more affordable for SNAP shoppers. Jon appreciates that Kelsey is also at the library, schools and food bank, helping connect all these community partners. As a result of their strong partnership, Jon has joined the Extension Leadership Council. He notes that all his SNAP Ed partners have been committed go-getters, going the extra mile to help connect residents with resources. Jon views SNAP Ed as an essential collaborator, stakeholder and partner without whom the community would suffer.“