SNAP and Nutrition Education
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program that helps low-income families afford nutritious food. Southwest Denver has some of the highest rates of households that are eligible for SNAP but are not enrolled. Our Coalition Members have identified the need to for SNAP education and application assistance in our community. We are now SNAP Peas (Partners Engaging in Application Services) supported by Hunger Free Colorado allowing us to provided SNAP education and application assistance to our community members.
SNAP Education and Application Assistance
SNAP Education
We have two part-time SNAP Navigators dedicated to helping our community and partners navigate SNAP. We partner with community organizations, schools, and food pantries to provide SNAP education in two ways:
Our navigators can give educational trainings/presentations to groups wanting to learn more about how SNAP works, such as community organizers or school staff and parents.
Our navigators can provide education directly to community members by tabling at community events and providing educational materials to individuals.
SNAP Application Assistance
Our navigators are fully trained in assisting individuals with their SNAP applications and renewals. The application process can be challenging to navigate, so we are able to sit down one on one with community members and walk through their application with them. Our navigators can simplify the application process, and prepare people for next steps. Community members are able to schedule assistance appointments in person or over the phone, and we hope to offer walk-in hours in the near future.
Nutrition Education
Not only does everyone deserve access to nutritious food, but they also deserve access to education about nutrition and healthy eating and cooking. Empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge to make healthier food choices benefits our community in so many ways.
We’re addressing the importance of nutrition education by providing nutrition, cooking, and healthy living classes and materials to our community.
Healthy Eating Classes
We have two part-time nutrition educators that teach healthy eating and cooking classes through partnerships with local community organizations and schools. Our educators teach a mix of different types of classes:
Easy healthy recipes and snack time in schools during school hours directly to kids
Hands-on recipes after-school with caregivers and their children
Nutrition workshop series for child care providers - one hour a week over 6 weeks. Each session goes in depth in a different topic like nutrition on a budget, reading labels, and increasing fruit and veggie intake
Nutrition Education at Events
We understand that not everyone has the time and resources to learn about nutrition in a classroom setting. So, our nutrition educators also go out to community events to engage with community members about nutrition and healthy eating, including a tasting of an easy-to-make recipe.
These programs are made possible by a grant from Healthy Food for Denver’s Kids Initiative through the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment.
