Description of the Program

One of the major goals of the Health Education Department, through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed), is to enhance, encourage and promote healthy eating habits through education, community intervention and outreach.

Program Elements

Health promotion and primary prevention education efforts are focused on behavior outcomes to increase fruit and vegetable consumption that include:

·        Following 2005 Dietary Guidelines

·        Shopping on a limited budget

·        Food preparation

·        Food Safety

Poor nutrition, in conjunction with lack of physical activity, is linked to obesity-related illnesses, such as heart disease, colon cancer, arthritis, respiratory disease and diabetes. This effort is directed particularly at women and mothers with limited incomes, particularly in the realms of food security, dietary quality and food resource management.

In tandem with improving nutrition, increasing levels of physical activity is emphasized by the SNAP-Ed program as well (see Physical Activity and Local Recreational Opportunities links).

Putting Healthy Food Within Reach

Related Health Department Web Links

• Assessments

• Food Safety

• Farmer's Market Recipes

• Health Education

• Healthy Lifestyle Coalition

• Local Recreational Opportunities

• Physical Activity

Related Outside  Websites 

• 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

• Finding Your Way to a Healthier You: Based on the Dietary Guidelines

• MyPyramid.gov

• Fruits and Veggies Matter

• Portion Control

• Eat Smart, Play Hard (USDA)

• SNAP-Ed Healthy Recipes

• Improving School Nutrition Environment

• Healthy Kids Challenge

• Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program (DOH Site)

What services are provided by Health Department professionals for Cowlitz County?

• Administer nutrition education interventions regarding sound nutritional practices to preschoolers, school-aged children, and families in the community through the SNAP-Ed.

• Develop and distribute nutrition education materials to partner agencies.

• Offer nutrition education information and resources to community members.

• Promote and encourage policy and environmental changes to support healthy food choices through Cowlitz On the Move Healthy Lifestyles Coalition.

Food Pyramid

Healthy Weight

For more information, contact April Stewart at (360) 414-5586.