An Equal Opportunity Institution

1408 Sabal Palm Dr., 2nd Floor • PO Box 110320Gainesville, FL 32611 | uffnp.org

Karla P. Shelnutt, PhD, RD, Principal Investigator (352) 273-3535 • kpagan@ufl.edu

Lauren Headrick, MS, RD, Program Coordinator (352) 273-3520 • lheadrick@ufl.edu

Partner with us for a healthier Florida!

IMPACTSNAP-ED2017 FLORIDA

UF/IFAS Extension Family Nutrition Program

Karla P. Shelnutt, PhD, RDPrincipal Investigator, UF/IFAS Extension Family Nutrition ProgramAssociate Professor and Extension Nutrition SpecialistDepartment of Family, Youth and Community SciencesUniversity of Florida

In good health,

W e are excited to share our 2017 Impact Report with you! As Florida’s

SNAP-Education program since 1996, the UF/IFAS Extension Family Nutrition Program (FNP) continues to teach Florida’s SNAP-eligible families to make better food and physical activity choices. In addition to providing nutrition education for youth and adults, we implement policy, systems, and environmental changes in the communities we serve to help make the healthy choice the easy choice for our participants.

Last year, we faced some challenges due to an unforeseen budget adjustment and made the difficult decision to reduce staffing and end the program in 14 of our 51 counties. Even with this setback, we increased the number of FNP partnerships compared with the previous year. The collective impact achieved through these partnerships amplified our efforts and helped us to reach more of our target population in the counties in which we have programs.

We are so thankful to work with people and organizations who share our passion for helping Florida’s low-income families. Once again, I invite you to join us in providing quality programming that changes people’s lives for the better.

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WELCOME

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition assistance to people with low income. It can help you buy nutritious foods for a better diet. To find out more, contact 1-866-762-2237. TTY/TTD/FRS dial 711. This material was funded by the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – SNAP. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

MISSION ............................................................ 2

ABOUT THE PROGRAM ............................. 3

OVERVIEW ................................................. 4-5

IMPACT ON INDIVIDUALS .............. 6-9

IMPACT ON COMMUNITIES ........ 10-11

PARTNERSHIPS .................................... 12-13

CONTENTS

Photography by: Tyler Jones and Camila Guillen of UF/IFAS Communications

Front cover: Pamela Qualls Photography

We help limited-resource families in Florida access more nutritious food choices

on a budget and adopt healthier eating and physical activity habits

to reduce the risk of obesity and chronic disease.

MISSION

SNAP-Education, the nutrition education and obesity prevention component of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is provided in Florida by the University of Florida/IFAS Extension Family Nutrition Program (FNP).

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

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Changing the environment (through food systems and public health initiatives) in which adults and children make decisions about food and physical activity. For example, we connect community members with local farmers markets that accept SNAP benefits, to make affordable fresh fruits and vegetables more accessible.

Empowering limited-resource families and individuals to take control of their health. Participants learn how to eat healthier on a budget and be more physically active in order to reduce their risk of obesity and chronic disease.

Collaborating with organizations to provide free classes for people of all ages at locations where they gather. Through FNP classes, children, parents, and caregivers learn to make healthier choices, which can result in reduced healthcare costs, a higher quality of life, and increased productivity in our communities.

Teaching 25 different evidence-based curricula that cover topics such as the food groups, food safety, nutrition labels, cooking, shopping on a budget, gardening, physical activity, and improving the home food environment. Lessons are based on MyPlate and the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Many youth lessons align with the Florida Standards.

In 2017, FNP provided SNAP-Education in 37 counties with a focus on:

WH

ATH

OW

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Percentage of funds spent on core areas:

in USDA funding received from DCF

$10.5MILLION

Additional funds provided by various state and community organizations.

$

OVERVIEW

Eat fruit less than one time per day

$315,213 in donated materials and supplies

80% 17%

3%

FLORIDA YOUTH AGES 5-17

Are obese1 IN 10

Estimated number of people reached through policy, systems, and environmental changes

1,841,374

People who received nutrition education

128,178

6.7 MILLIONFloridians are eligible for SNAP-Education

WH

Y 39%

U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2010-2015.

U F / I FA S E X T E N S I O N FA M I LY N U T R I T I O N P R O G R A M 5

AlachuaBayBrevardBrowardCalhounCharlotteClay CollierColumbia

DeSotoDixieDuvalFranklinGilchristHardeeLafayetteLeeLeonLevy

LibertyMadisonManateeMartinMiami-DadeNassauOrangeOsceolaPalm BeachPasco

PinellasSanta RosaSarasotaSt. JohnsSt. LucieSuwanneeTaylor Volusia

Nutrition Education

Policy, systems, and environmental changes

Evaluation

FLORIDA ADULTS AGES 18+

Pounds of produce FNP helped to procure for school cafeterias

76,343

Classes taught

27,962

160 Staff members

1,243Partners

43%Eat vegetables less than one time per day

37 Counties

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2015; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2016.

86%Do not eat enough fruit

Do not eat enough vegetables

90%Are obese1 IN 4

W hen resources are limited, creating a healthy, low-cost meal can be a challenge.

FNP teaches SNAP-eligible Floridians how to maximize their food resources with practical skills they can use every day. As a result, participants and their families are empowered to lead healthier and more active lives. FNP teaches hands-on nutrition education classes for all ages.

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IMPACT ON INDIVIDUALS

Ages 17 and under reached with

nutrition education

76,660

Classes taught to youth 19,564

Ages 18+ reached with nutrition education

51,518

6,527 Classes taught to adults

YOUTH ADULTS

• Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean protein

• Shopping on a budget

• Using nutrition labels to make healthier food choices

• Safely preparing and storing foods

• Growing fresh produce

• Being more physically active

NUTRITION EDUCATION TOPICS INCLUDE:

1,871Classes taught

to both youth and adults

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The following represents the percentage of students* who reported an increase in the number of days per week they engaged in these healthy activities, after participating in FNP series-based classes:

INSPIRING BEHAVIOR CHANGE IN YOUTH

GRADES 3-5

Physical activity 50% 40%

Eating more than one kind of vegetable 35% 33%

Eating more than one kind of fruit 44% 38%

GRADES 6-12

*Excludes students who reported performing these behaviors every day at the start of programming.

AN OLDER MAN WHO RECEIVED NUTRITION EDUCATION at Family Worship Center Food Pantry, St. Augustine, Fla.

Not only do I feel better, but my adult children have even noticed a change in my attitude and they thank you too! I am over 80 years old, and I would not touch yogurt. That sample you gave me was actually good! I eat it for breakfast now instead of pastries and use all kinds of different fresh fruit.

A TEENAGE GIRL WHO ATTENDED A CLASS SERIES at the Edgewater Branch Library Summer Reading Program, Orlando, Fla.

Thank you so much for teaching me how to make a lot of different recipes and that it is important to eat from all of the food groups. Now when I go shopping with my mom at the grocery store, we make a list and try to get items from all of the food groups. Then we go home and cook dinner together as a family!

A WOMAN WHO PARTICIPATED IN COOKING CLASSES at UF HealthStreet, Gainesville, Fla.

Your class changed my life! I am very thankful. Had I not learned the tools to make better, healthier choices regarding my nutrition, I was surely on my way to a myriad of health problems. I now have the knowledge to read labels and make meal plans and shop.

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IN THEIR OWN WORDSHere is what some participants have to say about FNP programming:

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The following represents the percentage of adults* who reported an increase in these healthy activities, after attending series-based classes provided by FNP:

Comparing prices more often before buying food

Eating more than one kind of fruit more days per week

$

INSPIRING BEHAVIOR CHANGE IN ADULTS

53%

49%

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34%

28%Eating more than one kind of vegetable more days per week

*Excludes adults who reported performing these behaviors every day at the start of programming.

Using the nutrition facts label more often

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IMPACT ON COMMUNITIES

FNP collaborates with community partners to affect the policies, systems, and environments that shape access to fresh, healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity. These efforts

complement and reinforce the nutrition education FNP provides to make the healthy choice the easy choice for Florida families.

• Connecting farmers with school food authorities to increase the purchasing of Florida-grown foods, which also helps the local economy.

• Supporting gardens so that schools and communities can grow their own fresh produce and learn about nutrition, gardening, and food safety.

• Helping childcare centers implement health-related policies and changes that encourage healthy food and drink choices, physical activity, reduced screen time, and breastfeeding.

• Serving on committees that improve wellness policies in communities, schools, and workplaces.

EXAMPLES OF HOW WE COLLABORATE

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FNP

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Healthy school certifications144

Let’s Move! Child Care Certifications

59

People* trained on gardening, Smarter Lunchrooms Movement, Let’s Move! Child Care, or food safety

2,577*Teachers, childcare providers, school food service staff, farmers, and others.

Gardens installed in schools, childcare centers, and communities

278

School districts with improved wellness policies

4

POLICY, SYSTEMS, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES

21st Century Community Learning CentersAction for Healthy KidsAlachua County Farm to School to Work HubAlliance for a Healthier GenerationBoys and Girls Clubs of AmericaCareerSource FloridaFlorida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU)Florida Agriculture in the ClassroomFlorida Department of:

Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)Children and Families (DCF)Education (DOE)Elder Affairs (DOEA)Health (DOH)

Florida HospitalFlorida Organic Growers (FOG)Florida State University (FSU)Goodwill IndustriesHealthy Start Coalition

LocalecopiaNemours Children’s HospitalPolice Athletic LeaguePrestige Health ChoiceSafe & Healthy Children’s CoalitionShare Our Strength (Cooking Matters)Tampa Bay Network to End HungerThe 4R FoundationUF HealthStreetUF/IFAS Extension:

Florida 4-HExpanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)Florida Master Gardener ProgramSmall Farms and Alternative Enterprises

UnitedHealthcareUnited WayUniversity of MiamiWinter Park Health FoundationWomen, Infants, and Children (WIC)YMCA

TYPES OF PARTNERSAgricultural organizationsAdult education and job training sitesChildcare centers and Head Start programsCity and regional planning groupsCommunity centersElder service centersFaith-based organizationsFarmersFarmers marketsFood banks and pantries

Grocery storesHospitals and clinicsParks and recreation centersPublic health organizationsPublic housing and sheltersPublic librariesSchoolsSNAP officesWorksites

By collaborating with state and community partners throughout Florida, FNP is able to maximize the impact of federal dollars, positively affect Florida’s economy, and empower SNAP-eligible families to live healthier lives.

Partners provide a variety of resources, including staff time, expertise, donated goods, and space in which to conduct programming.

PARTNERSHIPS

1,243Partners

EXAMPLES OF KEY PARTNERS IN 2017

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IN THEIR OWN WORDSHere is what some partners have to say about collaborating with FNP:

BETHANY QUISENBERRYPRINCIPAL Franklin Park Elementary School, Fort Myers, Fla.

LAUREN CHAPPELLMARKET MANAGER

Frenchtown Farmers Market, Tallahassee, Fla.

The sidewalk improvements that FNP helped to develop at Franklin Park Elementary School have provided a safe space for our families to walk to and from school. We have seen an increase in students and parents who walk or ride their bicycles each day.

Frenchtown Heritage Hub’s partnership with the Family Nutrition Program has been invaluable in inspiring our community to eat healthy, fresh food. Your assistance has helped our community garden to flourish. It often provides the ingredients for our cooking demos, which is the most effective way to capture the imagination of our customers, showing them that they too can make simple, delicious recipes from food they’ve grown!

JOHN RIVERS, DIRECTOR AND CHAIRMANThe 4R Foundation, Winter Park, Fla.

While our 4R Foundation had the passion and capital to revitalize Ocoee High School’s greenhouse infrastructure, it was partnering with FNP that provided the staff, support, and knowledge that really paved the way for the day-to-day success of this program. With FNP’s assistance, the link between how food is grown, processed, and makes its way to the plate, has become a part of the students’ narrative on campus.