New Toolkit Updates Help Reach SNAP Families 2019-12-18Whether on a strict budget or facing financial hardships, many American families find it difficult to proactively make nutritious choices regarding their foods and physical activity. Food access, transportation, neighborhood safety and employment are examples of some of the factors that compound the situation. In order to help families, an intervention toolkit has been updated for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)-Ed Implementing Agencies to find evidence-based solutions. The program’s goal is to assist SNAP-eligible households with resources so families can make wholesome eating and exercise choices--even on a limited budget. The Food and Nutrition Service’s SNAP-Ed Toolkit, part of the SNAP-Ed Evaluation Framework, includes 52 new interventions—in addition to its preexisting examples. These interventions can be implemented to help change behavior patterns in children and families and achieve long-term health outcomes. The new evidence-based interventions include reviews on produce distribution, diabetes prevention in Native American communities, cooking at home, enhancement of food security and many others. The toolkit also includes an evaluation framework to learn about each outcome indicator, as well as glossary components and resources regarding how to implement and evaluate SNAP-Ed policy. The Framework enables SNAP-Ed professionals to share successes and produce results using standardized, evidence-based methodology to share with clients, partner organizations, policy makers and other stakeholders. Professionals may submit their own intervention ideas for review and possible inclusion in the toolkit. Interventions that are included in the toolkit must first go through a peer-review process to examine and assess its reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance. The online submissions process closes on Friday, February 28, 2020.