Standing the Test of Time: SNAP-Ed Continues to Meet Needs

Published: 2019
By Andrea Berry

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-Ed), offers free nutrition and exercise classes to low-income participants. Big Horn County had some changes in 2019, as the program now has a full-time educator and has expanded programming to the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in addition to Big Horn County and the Crow Reservation. Programs are offered in adult nutrition/cooking classes and youth classes in schools. There are several class options for adults, including a single cooking class wherein participants make and sample a healthy recipe; a pilot program focused on cooking, healthy eating habits and nutrition related to MyPlate; or a standard nine-class series which is a more in-depth look into nutrition. Youth classes occur in the schools and are offered once a week for six weeks to first, third and fifth grade students. Both adult and youth programs include fun exercises and practicing a range of new skills that encourage healthy eating and physical activity. There are additional pilot programs that may be explored if they meet the needs of area communities, such as after school programs for high school students. The SNAP-Ed program also partners with other agencies and organizations to encourage healthy eating and exercising options for people in their own communities. Several new developments in Big Horn County include expansion of food bank services, community garden work in multiple communities and other food access endeavors in which SNAP-Ed is participating.