District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) is dedicated to empowering communities with the knowledge and resources to make healthier choices. One of the key ways they do this is through their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed), which provides practical nutrition education and promotes active lifestyles. As DHD#10 looks ahead to 2025, they are expanding their efforts with new and returning programs designed to make a lasting impact on local families.
What is SNAP-Ed?
SNAP-Ed is a federally funded program that helps individuals and families eligible for SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) develop healthy eating habits and incorporate physical activity into their daily lives. Through hands-on education, community partnerships, and policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) improvements, SNAP-Ed works to create sustainable, healthier communities where nutritious food and active living are accessible to everyone.
What’s Coming in 2025?
DHD#10 has a big year ahead for SNAP-Ed, with new and returning programs that make nutrition education fun, engaging, and accessible for people of all ages.
🍎 Cooking with Kids – Mecosta & Kalkaska Counties
Getting kids excited about healthy eating starts in the kitchen! Cooking with Kids is a hands-on program that teaches children how to prepare nutritious meals and snacks. Through fun, interactive activities, kids learn basic cooking skills, discover new foods, and gain confidence in making healthy choices—all while having a great time.
🛍️ Farmers Market Food Navigator – Expanding to Wexford County
Farmers markets are fantastic sources of fresh, local produce, but navigating them can be overwhelming. That’s where the Farmers Market Food Navigator program comes in. This year, the program will return to Kalkaska County and expand to Wexford County, helping shoppers make the most of their market experience. Navigators assist with budgeting, meal planning, and understanding seasonal produce, making healthy eating easier and more affordable.
🏃♂️ Taste, Move, Learn – Coming to Mecosta & Wexford Counties
This engaging program takes a three-in-one approach to wellness:
✔ Taste: Learn about new foods and how to prepare them.
✔ Move: Incorporate fun, simple physical activities.
✔ Learn: Discover easy ways to build healthier habits.
With its interactive, hands-on format, Taste, Move, Learn is designed to make nutrition education exciting, practical, and easy to apply in everyday life.
Beyond Education: Making Healthy Choices Easier for Everyone
In addition to direct education programs, DHD#10 is implementing policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) strategies to create long-lasting changes in communities. These efforts help remove barriers that often make it difficult for people to choose healthier options. Learn more about what SNAP-Ed Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change Initiatives are below:
Now that you've learned about what Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change Initiatives are, let's learn about what’s coming for us 2025.
Farmers Market Enhancements (Wexford & Kalkaska Counties) 🛒 – Improving the shopper experience by making fresh food more accessible.
Food Pantry Improvements (Mecosta County) 🥫 – Helping pantries prioritize nutritious options and create more user-friendly spaces and supporting the environment to be an accessible space.
Community Garden Impact (Wexford County) 🌱 – Expanding local gardens to increase access to fresh produce and outdoor activity opportunities.
Stay Connected & Get Involved
With so many exciting programs on the horizon, DHD#10 is making it easier than ever to stay engaged! Follow the LiveWell4Health Facebook page for nutrition tips, activity ideas, and updates on SNAP-Ed programming.
We’d also love to hear from you! What kinds of nutrition tips, recipes, or healthy living content would you like to see on our social media? Your input could help shape our future posts— vote in our poll or share your ideas with us!
What would help you make healthier food choices more often?
🔹 More easy, budget-friendly recipes
🔹 Tips for navigating farmers markets & grocery stores
🔹 Quick, healthy meal ideas for busy days
🔹 Fun ways to get kids involved in cooking
For a closer look at what’s happening in 2025 and to learn more about the DHD#10 SNAP-Ed team, visit...
By expanding education and improving local food systems, DHD#10 is working to build a healthier future—one bite, step, and choice at a time!
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