Buying food and feeding a family on a limited income is not easy. It's often a subject that's not talked about, but it can mean the health and well-being of a family.

The Food Stamp Nutrition Education (FSNE) Program carried out by University of Illinois Extension does help families learn:

• To eat nutritious foods and have an active lifestyle.
• To spend their food dollars wisely.
• To plan so they always have food for their family.
• To keep their food safe.

FSNEP participants are taught in small groups by paraprofessionals using a research-based curriculum and hands-on activities. FSNEP works in cooperation with other community agencies to meet the needs of Illinois' food stamp population. While other agencies provide food and other services, FSNEP helps individuals gain practical skills that improve their diets.

FSNE Program's success comes from partnering with other community agencies to help meet the needs of Food Stamp recipients.

While many agencies provide food and other services, FSNE specializes in helping individuals gain practical skills to improve their diets and health whether it is learning how to use juice versus sodas for their children's drinks or learning how to cook fresh vegetables or when to refrigerate leftovers.

The Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program participants meet and learn in small groups. Our programs are available in many locations including:

• Food Stamp offices
• Community centers
• U of I Extension Offices
• Food pantries
• Grocery stores
• Head Start Programs
• Shelters
• Senior citizen centers
• WIC Food Centers
• Youth centers
• IDHS offices
• Public Housing
• Religious organizations
• And other locations throughout northeastern Illinois.

FSNEP makes a difference across Chicago and Cook County!

Program Highlights from FY 2005 (Oct 04-Sept 05) for Chicago:

• 35,668 individuals participating in workshops
  
• 22,751 Adult participants (adults and seniors)
  
• 12,917 Youth participants (preschool and school age children)
  
• 2,135 hours spent helping families and individuals learn:
  
  • to eat nutritious foods and have an active lifestyle
    
  • to spend their food dollars wisely
    
  • to plan so they always have food for their families
    
  • to keep their food safe
    
• 114 organizations have partnered with the FSNE to provide their clients with this valuable nutrition education information
  
• 43 of the 77 Chicago Communities have at least one community based organization that has partnered with the FSNE program.