SNAP-Ed Curriculum

Childcare facilities: We are offering a fun and interactive program called “Eat Well, Play Hard” for facilities participating in the CACFP and/or located in lower-income neighborhoods. This eight-session series introduces toddlers and preschoolers to the basics of food manners, trying new foods, and the importance of eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Elementary schools: Schools with >50% participation in free/reduced lunch are eligible for the “Pick a Better Snack & Act” curriculum for Kindergarten through 3rd graders, and “Nutrition to Grow On” for 4th through 6th graders. These lessons were chosen specifically for their alignment with the Maine Learning Results, and include lessons such as “Food Math”.

Adolescents: Teens ages 11-15 years can participate in the “EatFit” program. With online games and learning tools, this curriculum is well-suited for both school and extracurricular settings. We also have “Cooking Matters for Teens”, which is a popular, hands-on series of cooking classes that helps teens develop the skills to select and prepare nutritious and delicious meals.

Adults: “Cooking Matters for Adults” is a hands-on cooking class that helps participants develop the skills to select and prepare nutritious and delicious meals. Each class is led by a nutrition educator and a professional chef, and incentives are available for participants who complete this six-session course. We also offer “Cooking Matters at the Store”, which is a one-time shopping tour that gives participants tips for navigating the overwhelming number of options at the grocery store. Participants receive a $10 gift card to Hannaford for completing the tour.

Families: “Eat Together, Eat Better” is a three-session class that emphasizes an important component of healthful eating: family meals. Focusing on celebrating together, cooking together, and talking together, participants will discuss the benefits of family meals and learn new ways to incorporate them into their lifestyles.

Seniors: For older adults, we offer the “Eat Smart, Live Strong” curriculum. This four-session program uses relevant and interactive activities to promote increased fruit and vegetable consumption and increased physical activity, as well as tips for eating healthfully on a budget.

One-Time Classes for All Ages!  We are able to offer one-time nutrition education classes that can be tailored to fit your venue and audience. This may include a demonstration of new and nutritious foods, or a class on one of our pre-selected topics, which range from food safety to innovative ways to fit more fruits and veggies into your diet.

 

Interested in attending or scheduling a class?

Contact one of our nutrition educators for more information!

Emma Veilleux, RD, LD – EDV@portlandmaine.gov or (207) 541-6945
Emily Cooper, RD, LD – ECC@portlandmaine.gov or (207) 541-6942
Bushra Islam, RD, LD – bushra.rd15@gmail.com