The University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) and the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) have developed a joint proposal to address the nutrition eduction needs of Food Stamp recipients in California.

The major goal of the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program (FSNEP) has been to improve the nutrition-related skills of Food Stamp recipients, specifically those skills related to selecting, purchasing and preparing a low-cost nutritional diet for themselves and their family.  FSNEP has the following objectives:

*Improved self-sufficiency of Food Stamp recipients
*Decreased reliance on emergency food resources
*Increased skills in food budgeting and meal planning
*Improved diet for the entire family
*Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables
*Increased variety in food choices
*Improved food preparation skills
*Improved knowledge of safe food practices

Cooperative Extension Nutrition Educators conduct onsite classes and mini-workshops at various Imperial County loacations serving food stamp recipients.  Mini-workshops include food
demonstrations and tastings which allow attendees to sample foods that can be easily prepared at home for their families.  Recipes and other pertinent information are also distributed.

For more information on food stamp nutrition education outreach, contact Martha Lopez, Program Representative at 760-352-9474.