Among one of Vetri Community Partnership’s many program offerings is SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education), a federally-funded nutrition education program that aims to improve the nutrition and health of families who are eligible for SNAP benefits. Through SNAP-Ed, Vetri Community Partnership offers hands-on cooking classes, school gardening, fruit and vegetable promotion, and movement breaks for students at 17 different school sites in Philadelphia.
Pepe is one of thousands of students served by Vetri Community Partnership’s SNAP-Ed program! When Pepe attended a SNAP-Ed cooking class at Independence Charter School (ICS) with VCP educator, Jamie, she wasn’t expecting to share her knowledge with her mom, too.
But that’s exactly what happened.
Pepe, who is now in 6th grade, has been enrolled in SNAP-Ed since the kindergarten. SNAP-Ed lessons focus on learning cooking skills using affordable ingredients that are eligible for SNAP benefits. Pepe’s been inspired by the lessons she took in Jamie’s class—so inspired, in fact, that she’s taken to making Homemade Tortilla Chips at home.
A few weeks later, Pepe’s mom, Kristen, came to the classroom to ask Jamie for a recipe for Black Bean Corn Salsa so that they could incorporate a nutritious addition to the homemade chips. Kristen thought that the chips could be a great way to encourage Pepe to eat beans—and she was right! They prepared the salsa together at home and enjoyed it together.
Pepe has also participated in other SNAP-Ed activities, like the one pictured here where students were encouraged to measure the grams of sugar in sodas and juices to showcase how much added sugar can be hiding in these commonly consumed beverages. Activities like these help students understand reading nutrition labels and encourage them to make more nutritious choices in their daily lives.
SNAP-Ed is making a critical impact in students’—and parents’!—lives.
