SNAP-Ed Works for New Hampshire

There are many things I love about my work, but the stuff that brings me the most joy is when I come across an old participant or young student who recognizes me and tells me how much they enjoyed our classes and more specifically a recipe, or activity that they still remember. This shows me that the impact our program has is long lasting and stays with our participants long into the future.

My work with Northern Human Services supports people with disabilities who are building a healthier lifestyle. We started during the pandemic with virtual nutrition education and physical activity sessions once a week. Even through the screen, the group was so engaged and willing to make small, meaningful changes. Now that we’re meeting in person, it’s been amazing to see how much progress has been made. Watching this group grow and take ownership of their health journey has been incredibly rewarding. 

One of my favorite success stories was leading the Granite State Food Heroes campaign—a statewide social media campaign launched during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign allowed community members to nominate and celebrate school food service workers, community organizations and volunteers across New Hampshire who stepped up in big ways to make sure their fellow Granite Staters continued to have access to healthy meals during a time of crisis. One food service director wrote, “Your kind words brought tears to my eyes… It’s nice to know our efforts are seen and appreciated.”

Last summer, I mentored a SNAP-Ed intern who assessed food retailers in Carroll County using a research-backed tool to evaluate how well they support healthy food choices.  We shared the findings with the local food access coalition, that sparked meaningful conversations and tied into the changes they were making in NH's most rural areas. It’s a great example of how SNAP-Ed goes far beyond direct education

I love watching people (young and old) try foods they were convinced they would not like and discover that they are not so bad after all! Teachers share that students have encouraged their parents to buy foods we've tried in school so they can try them again at home. Parents who learned about cooking with their children were eager to bring new snack ideas home and try out what they learned.

Andrea's go-to tips for participants or community partners are...

• Planning meals and cooking for yourself and your family saves money
• You can build upon your experience while forging new paths
•  There is potential everywhere if you recognize and nurture it

My favorite work moments are when I get out into schools. This year I went to A. Crosby Kennett Middle School to celebrate National School Breakfast Week. I was able to offer tastings of two flavors of breakfast smoothies as well as two varieties of frittatas while chatting with students about the importance of eating breakfast. Helping schools get more children to take advantage of a healthy school breakfast could have impacts on learning, health, and food security, among others.

Building relationships, connecting resources and partners, and promoting healthier environments are just a few aspects of my SNAP-Ed work that I inspire me.  Relationship and trust building are the keys to impactful PSE work.

One of my favorite moments from my work was witnessing Rosie’s transformation. For six years, she relied on a wheelchair, taking only a few steps at a time. But through the 'Walk with Ease' program, she not only left her wheelchair behind—she built the confidence and strength to walk daily, explore new places, and embrace the world with fresh enthusiasm. Seeing her determination, progress, and joy reminded me why I do what I do. It’s incredible to watch someone reclaim their mobility, independence, and dreams one step at a time.

Our program provides nutrition education that help supports interest for better nutrition health. I often say that "If you been thinking about your diet, eating healthy and being more physically active, don't know how to take the first conversation step, our program can help you. Our program provides nutrition education that help supports interest for better health at the basic level.Most often participants say "Now understand what whole grain, whole wheat means"

I love Take Charge of Your Health!, NH’s Chronic Disease Self-Management Program. This evidence-based program is for individuals who experience chronic conditions or care for someone who does, empowering them with tools and strategies to manage symptoms and meet health goals. It  not only takes a holistic approach to managing chronic disease – covering topics like communication, healthy eating, physical activity, relaxation, problem solving, and action planning – but also fosters connections among participants.