SNAP-Ed Program: Tips for SNAP Retailers and Communities

USDA’s SNAP-Ed program is an amazing resource for SNAP retailers as well as SNAP recipients. The program focuses on educating people on how to live a healthy life and how to make the most of their SNAP dollars, organizing nutrition education classes and social marketing campaigns, as well as takes initiative to improve government policies. While FNS provides resources and guidance on SNAP-Ed, states oversee running their own programs.

SNAP retailers have a large influence on SNAP recipients, as their store inventory is supplying SNAP recipients with items they need. It is important for SNAP retailers to be knowledgeable about the needs of SNAP recipients and how to cater inventory to focus on health and nutrition. SNAP-Ed is committed to working with organizations, like SNAP retailers, to ensure they are equipped with the proper resources and receive marketing, merchandising, customer newsletter, and technical product placement advice.

Retailers can also…

• Advertise fresh produce and nutritional items
• Provide recipe ideas, especially low-cost recipe ideas
• Create healthy check-out lanes that feature nutritional snacks over candies

In addition to what SNAP retailers can do, USDA recommends the following community efforts to support SNAP-Ed…

• Develop and implement nutrition and physical activity policies at organizations with high proportions of SNAP-Ed eligible individuals
• Collaborate with schools and other organizations to improve the school nutrition environment
• Coordinate with outside groups to strategize how healthier foods can be offered at sites, such as emergency distribution sites, food pantries, and more
• Establish community food gardens in low-income areas to benefit both individuals and communities
• Provide consultation, technical assistance, and training to SNAP-authorized retailers
• Encourage more farmers markets to accept EBT and participate in low-income areas