NUTRITION
Services offered by Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educators
CHCC implements the Maine SNAP-Ed program, which empowers community members to shop, cook, and eat healthy on a budget. Maine SNAP-Ed uses evidence-based curricula and multi-level community-based approaches to help make the healthy choice the easy choice for Maine families.
Our SNAP-Ed nutrition services include:
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Hands-on cooking classes for adults and families
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Nutrition education at schools and childcare sites
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Nutrition education for adults at community sites like recreation centers, libraries, senior housing sites, food pantries, and more
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Grocery store tours
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Farmers' Market tours
All classes are led by trained Nutrition Educators.
To sign up, check our calendar for any upcoming classes!
Community and School Gardens
We have worked with many local schools and organizations to increase access and exposure to fresh fruits and vegetables through gardens. We help engage the local community to come together around food and build a sustainable resource for everyone!
Policy, System, and Environmental Change
Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educators also work on policy, system, and environmental change to support a culture of wellness throughout various organizations in the community. This work includes supporting wellness committees, community gardens, programs increasing food access, and more.
Contact us to learn how we can help your work in our community!
Farmers' Market Engagement
We partner with local farmers to increase a communities' access to local fresh produce. Through the Power of Produce Club, many markets have provided children with tokens to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, empowering them to make healthy choices!
Healthy Retail Initiatives
In partnership with Biddeford's Local Foods Local Places initiative, we have developed resources for local food retailers to increase the healthfulness of their stores. From healthy advertisements to tips on product placement, small changes make a big difference!
Farmers Markets in Maine
Did you know Maine has over 100 Farmers' Markets?
Check out a local farmers' market this summer as it not only supports local farmers and vendors but allows families to sample fresh fruits and vegetables. Farmers' markets allow consumers access to locally produced, healthy farm-fresh food while developing relationships with the farmers who grow them.
Power of Produce (POP) Club
The Power of Produce (PoP) Club is a FREE kids program at Farmers' Markets. Each week, children can receive a $2 voucher to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms. Plus, keep an eye out for special PoP club activities throughout the summer! Visit PoP Clubs at Kennebunk Farmers' Market, Kittery Community Market, Saco Farmers' Market, and Sanford Farmers' Market.
Healthy Eating Resources
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Learn more about Maine SNAP-Ed and find delicious recipes
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Sign up to get healthy recipes, cooking tips, and more sent right to your phone
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Learn about Maine Harvest Bucks and ways to stretch your SNAP dollars at farmers' markets
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Learn about the Maine Senior Farm Share Program
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Find a food pantry near you
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Sign up for SNAP benefits
Snap-Ed educators can only serve those who receive SNAP benefits, live in York County, or attend a school where 50% or more of students qualify for free and reduced lunch. To learn if your site or school is eligible, please contact us.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Maine SNAP-Ed is funded by the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which is administered by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and implemented statewide by the University of New England (UNE) through contracts with local community organizations. Maine SNAP-Ed educates low-income families on low-cost healthy eating and active lifestyles. Contact mainesnap-ed@une.edu or (207) 602-3551 for more information.