Program Description

The California Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program (FSNEP) operates through a joint agreement among the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Food & Consumer Services (USDA/FCS), the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Food Stamp Bureau, and the University of California Cooperation Extension (UCCE). CDSS is the agency responsible for administration of the Food Stamp Program in California. UCCE is the statewide arm of the University of California.

The UC-FSNEP consists of Adult and Youth program components and operates throughout various California counties. The Adult nutrition education program enrolls food stamp recipients and applicants on a voluntary basis at the local county welfare department and other sites. Nutrition education lessons focus on the following topics:

• Self-sufficiency

• Food budgeting

• Managing resources

• Food preparation skills

• Food safety and sanitation

• Feeding infants and children

• Physical activity

The Youth nutrition education program targets schools and community programs with large numbers of children from food stamp households. Teachers, youth program leaders, and other extenders at the sites are trained to deliver a nutrition education program targeted to youth audiences on the following topics:

• Healthy lifestyle

• Fruit and vegetable consumption

• Food safety

• Physical activity

Objectives of UC-FSNEP

The major goal of UC-FSNEP is to improve the diet and nutrition-related skills of food stamp recipients and their families. UC-FSNEP has the following objectives:

• Improved self-sufficiency of Food Stamp recipients

• Decreased reliance on emergency food resources

• Increased skills in food budgeting and meal planning

• Improved diet for the entire family

• Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables

• Increased variety in food choices

• Improved food preparation skills

• Improved knowledge of safe food practices

• Increased physical activity

• Promoting a healthy lifestyle for youth as outlined in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.