Research & Practice
Assessing SNAP-Ed Materials Through Equity and Empowerment Rubric
SNAP-Ed (the educational arm of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) produces programming and educational materials to assist SNAP-Ed implementation agencies in presenting nutrition and lifestyle information in accessible formats to SNAP-eligible participants. The curricula used historically has revolved around modifying individual behavior and providing a narrow vision of a healthy diet. Efforts have been made to establish a community-centered approach and culturally relevant curricula. A new rubric was developed to assess SNAP-Ed curricula with a lens of equity, inclusion, and the facilitation of community building. This project consisted of reviewing instructor and participant materials, attending in-person programming, and participating in study groups surrounding policy, systems, and environmental approaches to programming. Additionally, a cultural toolkit was created to assist in service providers’ cultural awareness of participants. After assessing six curricula with the rubric, it was found that those attempting to intentionally deliver trauma-informed services better addressed more of the environmental factors of nutrition education.
Community Partner: WSU Extention, SNAP-Ed Program
Materials Available
Project Type(s): MPH Practicum
Author(s): Mayra Gutierrez
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2023
Adviser(s):