Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed)

Our mission is to inspire and empower under-served Alaskans to improve their health by promoting awareness, education, and community change through diverse partnerships, resulting in healthy eating, active living that contribute to a better quality of life.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Nutrition Education (SNAP-Ed) is a nationwide nutrition education and obesity prevention program funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). Alaska’s SNAP-Ed 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. The SNAP-Ed program provides evidenced-based nutrition education classes that are aligned with policy, systems and environmental change strategies to create long lasting community change. An integral partner in this statewide effort is the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service, SNAP-Ed (UAF CES SNAP-Ed).

What we do

Cooperative Extension Service offers evidence-based nutrition and physical activity education, aligned with policy systems and environmental change services in community environments. FY24 Services are in Anchorage, Bethel, Dillingham, Fairbanks and Mat-Su. We also promote the Alaska SNAP-Ed Social Marketing Campaign Every Bite Counts.

Who We Reach

The majority of Cooperative Extension Service’s reach is school aged youth (5-17) and their families.  The program also works with SNAP-Ed eligible adults.

Always remember, Every Bite Counts!

Finding ways to include fruits and vegetables into your family meals is not only healthy; it’s fun and easy when we do it together. Make healthy meals together, go to Every Bite Counts.

A look at the Mat-Su Food Bank, which was designed with input from UAF Cooperative Extension nutrition educator Adair Harman. The Food Bank opened in this new location in summer 2023.