Overview

As a result of this project, SNAP residents in Warren County will improve their behaviors in the areas of food security, dietary quality, food safety, fitness, and food resource management/shopping, through participation in nutrition education that is behaviorally-focused, learner driven, outcome-based nutrition education.

Population

• Total Population is 112, 274 (2007 estimate)
• Per capita income is $25,728 and 7% of the population are below poverty level
• Approximately 15% of the residents of Warren County are senior citizens

Demographics

• 94.5% White
• 3.7% Hispanic
• 1.9% African-American

USDA SNAP Participating Families

• Welfare Department statistics report that Warren County has 1,575 households currently receiving SNAP benefits (1,756 adults and 1,518children). (March 2006)

Warren County SNAP-Ed Project

The SNAP-Ed project addresses the following needs for limited resource individuals i Warren County.

• Inability to have SNAP benefits and food budget last through the month.
• Limited food preparation and food storage facilities
• High reliance on convenience foods and fast food restaurants
• Limited nutrition and food safety knowledge
• High consumption of high fat foods and low consumption of fruits, vegetables and dairy products.

Project Objectives

• To promote the SNAP-Ed Project and its statewide mission.
• To increase food security through nutrition education programs to SNAP eligible adults resulting in improved dietary habits, food purchases and food preparation practices and improved eating behaviors
• To improve and increase collaboration among existing agencies that currently work with low-income audiences, other governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations and private enterprises to improve the nutrition education services available to SNAP program participants in Warren County

Project Activities Youth in schools where 50% or more receive free or reduced lunches are given nutrition education in their classrooms.

• To proved behaviorally focused, learner-driven, outcome-based nutrition lessons to youth and adults.
• Youth in schools where 50% or more receive free or reduced price lunches are given nutrition education in their classrooms.
• Youth at New Jersey Youth Corps in Warren County will receive nutrition education including cooking activities.
• Youth at the school-based youth services program in the county will receive nutrition education including cooking activities.
• Deliver approved, age appropriate nutrition education to adults and seniors.
• Provide in-service training to food service personnel regarding nutrition education and food safety in targeted schools.
• Provide in-service training to parent liaisons, facilitators, and supervisors in targeted schools to allow them to assist families and teachers in learning to improve nutrition practices at home and in the classrooms.
• Provide necessary training to staff/volunteers/dietetic interns who teach nutrition education classes to the targeted populations.

Evaluation

The evaluation methodology which is used includes an overall measurement of the impact of nutrition education amongst the adult and senior population of SNAP program participants. The ERS reporting system is used for Pre and Post Diet Recalls and Behavioral Checklists. Only the Behavioral Checklist is used in programs lasting less than 6 weeks. An evaluation report of the project will be submitted for possible publication in a peer reviewed Nutrition and/or Family and Consumer Sciences journal.

Collaborative Relationships

ABC Playschool
Kids at Work
New Jersey Youth Corps of Phillipsburg
NORWESCAP Preschool Children's Center
NORWESCAP Head Start
Phillipsburg School District
RCE of Warren County
Warren County Division of Senior Services
Warren County Family Guidance Center
Warren County SNAP Office

Contact

Amy Brinton. RD, Program Associate
Warren County SNAP-Ed
Administration Building, Suite 102
165 County Route 519 South
Phone: (908) 475-6506
Email: brinton@njaes.rutgers.edu