PA NEN Activies: Partnering with Public Assistance

Linda Kronheim, PA NEN

According to our mission statement, the PA NEN is “a partnered effort working to foster the development and dissemination of innovative, evidence-based nutrition education to improve the diets of primarily low-income populations.”

One of the ways in which we seek to fulfill our mission is by creating opportunities for nutrition education in places where it may not otherwise occur. This year, the PA NEN is focusing on two venues in particular: county assistance offices (CAOs) and food pantries. These sites represent the physical locations where individuals can apply for food stamps or receive emergency foods. Wouldn’t it be great if, in the same places, individuals could learn about the best ways to use those services to provide themselves and their families with a healthy and affordable diet?

The PA NEN is currently supporting two different initiatives at these locations. The first is the “On the Table” booklet, which is an adaptation of a project previously completed by Pennsylvania Hunger Action Center. This colorful county-specific resource booklet compiles messages about ways to eat healthy on a tight budget with descriptions and local contact information for both federal nutrition programs and local nutrition education projects (provided by TRACKS). This booklet has been provided to CAOs in eleven counties.

Feedback from both CAO staff and clients about “On the Table” has been extremely positive so far; most people appreciate the collection of so much information into one easy-to-read booklet. Clients have commented that they enjoy receiving a tangible resource to take with them as they leave the CAO office. A nutrition educator in one county requested copies of “On the Table” to distribute at her own agency after seeing the booklet at the local CAO.

The second initiative supported by the PA NEN represents an innovative method to teach individuals about nutrition. Much of the client time at CAOs and food pantries is spent waiting, which often results in boredom and frustration. However, this “down time” also creates a perfect opportunity to teach about nutrition if it is done in a non-forceful and entertaining way. To address this opportunity, the PA NEN has provided selected food pantries and CAOs with DVD players along with a DVD titled Good Food TV. This short movie is part of a kit developed in California for use in CAO waiting rooms. The DVD features short segments with community members and nutrition experts demonstrating fast, inexpensive meals while discussing tips about healthy eating. Also included are a series of recipe cards and a brochure with additional tips. This format is appropriate for viewing while waiting in line; even clients who are only able to catch a few minutes of the DVD while waiting find it interesting and educational.

Clients enjoy the recipe cards – some pantries report that clients return the next month asking for additional recipes. We have also found that both CAO and food pantry staff are excited about this opportunity to provide their clients with nutrition information without adding to their own already busy workload. One director noted that the DVD entertains clients and helps to “keep people quiet in the waiting room.”

The PA NEN is excited about these opportunities to provide nutrition education. We hope to expand these projects over the next few years. Please feel free to contact us at panen@pahunger.org with any comments or questions about how you may be able to support nutrition education efforts in your area.