Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-Ed) activities to increase the accessibility of fruits and vegetables: Faith-based organizations

INTRODUCTION: High prevalences of obesity and obesity-related conditions in low-income communities in Los Angeles (LA) County have led to considerable investment by the LA County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) to coordinate and support community-based initiatives to create healthy living environments. Faith-based organizations are among the community groups that have recently received funding from the educational component of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-Ed) through LACDPH to implement relevant programs. METHODS: We surveyed nearly 1,000 adults recruited from the premises of 19 churches (about two-thirds of which had implemented healthy eating or physical activity programs) to (a) describe church activities and programs that may influence eating behaviors; (b) assess the nutrition-related knowledge and attitudes of church-affiliated adults; and (c) determine if SNAP-Ed health promotion materials have influenced the eating behaviors of adults reached by these churches. RESULTS: Nearly 60% of respondents were Latino, 18% were Black, 60% were born outside the United States, 57% had no more than a high school education, and 55% were Spanish speakers. About 40% reported that there had been changes in the foods offered at church events in the past six months; these changes included more fruit, vegetables and water. About 30%-34% strongly agreed that they were more likely to eat fruits and vegetable today and choose water over soda “than 6 months ago”. DISCUSSION: We will discuss findings with regard to the impact of SNAP-Ed programs and the role that faith-based organizations can play in promoting healthy eating and active living in low-income communities.