Family Nutrition Program 

The UF/IFAS Extension Family Nutrition Program (FNP) is a SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) in Florida. The goal of FNP is to educate SNAP-eligible Floridians, using evidence-based approaches, about eating healthier and being active on a budget, in order to reduce the risk of obesity and chronic disease. FNP offers free nutrition education in SNAP-eligible communities. The free programs are offered in 37 Florida counties! FNP also works to improve access to healthy foods and change the environment in which adults and children make choices about food and fitness.

Become a Partner! Community partnerships are vital to FNP. Local organizations allow FNP to bring nutrition and physical education to SNAP-eligible participants in your community. Examples of partners include: Schools, Food pantries, farmers markets, libraries, community centers (including elderly and childcare), grocery stores, and faith-based organizations.

Farm to School and Community 

Farm to School and Community (F2SC) program makes Florida-grown foods more accessible to SNAP-eligible people in Florida. The F2SC team works with local partners—schools, farmers, businesses, farmers markets, food service professionals, non-profit organizations—and state and federal agencies to improve the health of Florida citizens, while benefiting farmers and the local economy.

Some of the projects include: developing school gardens; promoting the use of SNAP-EBT cards at farmers markets; bringing fresh Florida grown foods into school cafeterias and other markets; training and support for teachers, gardeners, farmers and the community. Contact our Food System Specialist for more information!

Public Health Specialist

Did you know, money from food assistance is doubled at certain farmers markets?!

Our Public Health Specialist (PHS) is responsible for providing support that complements nutrition education for the UF/IFAS Extension Family Nutrition Program (FNP). The PHS supports changes to Policy, Systems, and the Environment (PSE) that encourage sustainable, positive behaviors in a variety of settings such as community and recreational centers, and schools.

This includes advocating for and implementing programs that increase access to fresh foods, educating respective authorities on nutrition and physical activity issues, and training staff who serve low-resource populations on promoting healthier lifestyles. Programs partnered with PHS include: Smarter Lunchroom Movement, Let’s Move Child Care, HUSSC (Healthier US School Challenge), Worksite Wellness Initiatives and School Wellness Policies.

Program Updates/News

Introducing the new Florida Fresh App! 

  Growing and eating your vegetables just got easier with the free UF/IFAS veggie app, “Florida Fresh.” Simply enter your ZIP code and the app will tell you what vegetables to plant at that particular time of year. Touch any of the photos and the app provides information about each fruit and vegetable — including planting tips — as well as the best varieties for Florida and nutritional value. You can also find out about the seasonal availability of Florida-grown produce. The app can be downloaded through app stores for Apple or Android.

Resources

• MyPlate is a reminder to find your healthy eating style and build it throughout your lifetime. Everything you eat and drink matters. The right mix can help you be healthier now and in the future.
• The UF/IFAS Extension Family Nutrition Program helps Florida families eat healthy on a budget
• SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is the program formerly known as food stamps. It is a federal nutrition program that helps you stretch your food budget and buy healthy food.