Purpose

The best practices guide is designed to assist county educators, contractors and collaborators with SNAP-Ed statewide Extension nutrition and physical activity strategy implementation. This tool serves as a resource for implementing multi-component interventions and evidence-based curricula to improve the health and wellbeing of Nevadans. Within this guide is information to assist with increasing the appeal of healthful nutrition and physical activity in each community.

Throughout the following section, information can be found on: practices and activities common to each strategy, activities and interventions unique to each strategy, suggested timelines of implementation, strategy efforts towards sustainability, and grant reporting indicators.

Strategy Areas

Extension’s statewide Health and Nutrition Program reaches various target populations through five strategies. Each strategy is led by statewide health and nutrition specialists and composed of one or multiple program officers, community educators and additional support as necessary. Multi-component interventions and evidence-based curricula being implemented in each community will fall under one or more of these strategy areas.

The five strategies are:

  • Healthy Kids Early Start, preschool-age children 3-5 years old, their teachers and their families within the structure of the preschool or classroom setting.
  • Healthy Kids Healthy Schools, school-aged children within the structure of the classroom, lunchroom or school environment.
  • Healthy Food Systems, children, adults and older people through garden activities and farmers markets.
  • Healthy Living Sustainable Recovery, people in recovery for substance use disorder and their families.
  • Healthy Aging, older adults within the context of places where they eat, live, learn and play.

For the complete report on Getting Started; Policy, Systems, Environmental Activities; Program Delivery Essentials; Evaluation Indicators; Theoretical Model and more, use the link below to download the PDF version.

Helm, M. M., Buffington, A., Lindsay, A. R. 2022, University of Nevada, Reno Extension Statewide Health and Nutrition Program Best Practices Guide for Program Implementation (First Edition), Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Informational Publication

Extension Associated Contacts

 

Also of Interest:

 
bag of sugar with shades on
Added Sugars - Nutrition information for older adults
Added sugars are not the same as naturally occurring sugars in fruits and milk. Diets high in added sugars may lead to an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes and excess weight gain.
Lindsay, A. and Helm, M. 2025, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-25-04-11
Basil: The King of Herbs
Basil is a fragrant, leafy herb from the mint family, best known for its fresh, slightly sweet flavor and bright green leaves. It is widely used in cooking around the world and has a long history of medicinal and cultural significance.
Jeyakumar, A. 2025, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, FS-25-17
Cardamom: The Queen of Spices
Cardamom is an aromatic spice that has been valued for centuries in traditional medicine. It is known for supporting digestion, offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Jeyakumar, A. 2025, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, FS-25-18
healthy food options
Choosing Healthy Options 1 - Nutrition information for older adults
Healthy choices can be made both at home and at restaurants. Where you eat isn’t as important as what you eat.
Lindsay, A. and Helm, M. 2025, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-25-04-14
Asian couple cooking at home
Choosing Healthy Options 2 - Nutrition information for older adults
Cooking at home allows you to make a more nutritious plate.
Lindsay, A. and Helm, M. 2025, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-25-04-15
 

Associated Programs

produce department

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education - Programming by UNR Extension

Improve the nutritional well-being of people who receive SNAP benefits and other Nevadans with a low income through community based education, programs and needs assessments.