Community Transformation

Illinois Nutrition Education Program’s SNAP-Education works to create community partnerships that promote change.

In 2024, SNAP-Ed worked with 147 coalitions representing 1,328 total community organizations and community members. These coalitions worked together to enact changes across their communities, allowing healthy changes to reach more families.

In addition, 474 organizations made a total of 1,100 changes with the assistance of SNAP-Ed. Assistance included completing grant applications, and making changes to layout, signage and product promotion to encourage healthier choices. 

 Community partners received $4,781,124 in grant funds related to applications where SNAP-Ed assisted with their completion.

Providing education where families learn, live, shop, play, eat, and work

In 2024, Illinois Nutrition Education Programs SNAP-Education partnered with:

• 503 schools
• 301 emergency food locations
• 163 parks and recreation centers
• 114 early childcare facilities
• 96 faith-based locations
• 79 foundations/non-profits
• 72 healthcare organizations
• 69 agricultural organizations, including farmers markets
• 68 libraries
• 57 public/low-income housing

In addition, at many of these locations, INEP worked with the site to make changes that promote and encourage healthier choices. Changes included lunchroom makeovers, farm-to-school initiatives, healthy snacks and vending machine policies, and more.

SNAP-Ed has consistently provided nutrition education programs, including cooking classes to our participants and children, and virtual classes for those with transportation issues. Their proactive and preventive work has a significant impact on health and well-being in our community.  The positive impact they have can significantly reduce nutrition-related health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, as well as their associated costs.   -- Michelle Compton RD LDN CLC, Peoria County WIC