Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education

Overview

Alaska’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Program (SNAP-Ed) program provides nutrition education for low income Alaskans. The goal of SNAP-Ed is to improve the likelihood that persons eligible for SNAP will make healthy food choices within a limited budget and choose physically active lifestyles consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPlate.

Facts & data

• As of 2022, nearly one in five households in Alaska (19%) have recently experienced food insecurity, defined here as sometimes or often not having enough food to eat. Households with children are slightly more affected than those without children (26% vs 19%). 
• Diet and Health: Studies show that participants in SNAP-Ed programs are more likely to increase their fruit and vegetable intake, engage in physical activity, and maintain healthier weight levels.
• Economic Contribution: For every $1 of SNAP benefits spent, an estimated $1.50–$1.80 is generated in economic activity, supporting local farmers, grocers, and food suppliers.
• Subsistence Hunting & Fishing SNAP benefits can be used to purchase subsistence gear, such as hunting and fishing gear, and some gardening supplies.

Solution

• Practical Nutrition Education: SNAP-Ed offers free classes and resources to help Alaskans plan affordable meals, develop cooking skills, and make nutritious food choices.
• Community Engagement: Partnering with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations, SNAP-Ed promotes a culture of health and wellness throughout Alaska.
• Locally-Informed Programs: Recognizing Alaska’s unique challenges, SNAP-Ed emphasizes the importance of traditional diets, foraging, and integrating local, affordable options into meal planning.
• Encouraging Healthy Lifestyles: The program inspires behavioral change by focusing on both nutrition and physical activity, ensuring lasting impacts for participants and their families.

Resources