The following is a excerpt of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System 2024 Annual Report. To read the full report, visit www.aces.edu/go/ACESAnnualReport.

Living Well with SNAP-Ed

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program–Education (SNAP-Ed) uses an evidence-based, multilevel approach to support the health of Alabamians, especially those with limited resources.

In Schools

In 2024, AU SNAP-Ed reached 28,000 youths with nutrition and physical activity education.

Body Quest classes, designed for third-graders, delivered a mix of educator-led discussions, guided vegetable tastings, and hands-on activities that taught healthy eating habits. After Body Quest classes, students said they actually liked eating more fruits and vegetables, chose to drink more water and fewer sugary drinks, and began engaging in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily.

Charli Lawley, a third-grader at Randolph Elementary School, put what she learned into practice at home. She now cooks healthy meals for her family from Chef Yum-Yum, a Body Quest character.

In 2024, SNAP-Ed implemented 598 Policy, Systems, and Environmental (PSE) changes in Alabama schools, fostering healthier environments in 107 schools and benefiting more than 38,000 students. These efforts encouraged students and staff to make healthier nutrition and physical activity choices throughout the day. Schools increased access to fresh, locally sourced produce in cafeterias, introduced healthier food distribution initiatives, such as food pantries, and provided healthier beverage options at events. New programs were also developed in partnership with Alabama schools that expanded physical activity opportunities through outdoor enhancements and promoted healthy celebrations through competitions, fundraisers, and field trips.

New Physical Activity Opportunities

More than 30 sensory paths and book walks were installed at schools and parks. Sensory paths create playful markings on the ground that guide people through fun and challenging movements. The paths encourage physical activity to help improve strength, endurance, and balance. Book walks combine literacy and physical activity. Pages of a book, which focuses on nutrition and physical activity, are posted along a walking trail or path. Participants stroll from one post to the next reading each page as they go.

SNAP-Ed Agents Desiree Hutcherson-Bates and Arkaya King-Pace collaborated with the city of Irondale to install a book walk across from Irondale Elementary School.

“This location is perfect for a book walk. Its proximity to the school gives students more opportunities to take walking field trips,” Bates said.

Healthy Celebrations

Healthy choices can be fun! Across Alabama, students are celebrating health in exciting ways, thanks to creative activities led by SNAP-Ed educators. From friendly competitions that get kids moving to innovative field trips that promote nutrition and fitness, these experiences help students build lifelong healthy habits. At Nathaniel H. Stephens Elementary, third graders tested their skills in a lively Hacky Sack competition after learning about physical activity in Body Quest lessons. SNAP-Ed educator Tabatha Glassburn and the school’s gym teacher organized the event to encourage movement and friendly competition.

Meanwhile, in Randolph and Chambers Counties, SNAP-Ed educators Sherri Mulder and Kara Hall partnered with community leaders to reimagine field trips. Instead of boarding a bus, second and third graders took a walk along a trail, stopping at stations to learn about sun safety, hydration, and nutrition, making learning active and engaging.

Voucher Programs

To further connect nutrition education with real-life choices, voucher programs help students apply what they learn in the classroom by selecting healthy foods at a local grocery store.

Voucher programs help Body Quest students put their newfound knowledge to use. Cindy Harper, SNAP-Ed educator in St. Clair County, took nutrition programming full circle and partnered with the local Piggly Wiggly in Ashville to encourage shoppers to purchase fruits and vegetables. After receiving 15 weeks of nutrition education, students were rewarded with $5 produce vouchers to select their favorite fruits and vegetables. More than $400 in produce vouchers were donated to students, showing the store’s strong commitment to the Ashville community.

Important SNAP-Ed Stats

• 30 Educators
• 10 Extension agents
• 52 Counties
• 44,401 Reached through nutrition education
• 989 Policy changes, system changes, and environmental improvements
• 7,328 Body Quest students
• 38,202 Students affected by positive changes for healthier environments

Adults Making Positive Changes

• 97% improved diet quality
• 93% improved food resource management
• 76% improved physical activity
• 77% improved food safety

Youth Success

• 90% chose more foods according to federal dietary recommendations
• 68% increased physical activity throughout their day
• 63% used safe food handling practices more often
• 51% improved their ability or knowledge of how to prepare simple, nutritious, affordable food

EFNEP

Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) educators across Alabama provide free, hands-on education to families, youth, and pregnant women and teens with limited resources.

In 2024, AU EFNEP served 7,601 adults and youth across 34 counties. Participants in AU EFNEP classes gain the knowledge and skills necessary to make healthy meals at home, save money at the grocery store, and be more active throughout their daily lives. The United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture funds AU EFNEP.

AU EFNEP helps many working mothers who juggle the demands of a busy schedule. One Wilcox County EFNEP participant found that her diet mainly consisted of processed foods and sugary snacks, leading to low energy, weight gain, and declining overall health. She wanted to make small changes but didn’t know how. She was sitting in a doctor’s office one day when she noticed an AU EFNEP flyer and decided to reach out.

The program taught her the importance of balanced nutrition, focusing on whole foods like vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. With guidance, she began to practice portion control, incorporate healthy fats into her meals, and drink water to stay hydrated. Small changes over time significantly improved her energy levels, mood, and weight management. Her success also extended to her family, as she set a positive example at home. She learned to plan her meals better and make healthier food choices, even with a busy schedule, which helped her stay on track and avoid fast food or processed meals. She made physical activity changes by walking and doing yoga. When she began to exercise, she started to have more energy each day.

New May 2025, Alabama Cooperative Extension System 2024 Annual Report, ACES-2838