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

Macy Helm
Macy Helm
Anne R. Lindsay
Anne R. Lindsay
 

Also of Interest:

 
An exercise class squatting together.
All Decked Out
Challenge yourself with All Decked Out! Draw a card, complete the matching exercise, and stay active as you work through the deck.
 Lindsay, A. 2026, University of Nevada, Reno Extension
Women running in a gym playing a game.
Basket Battle
A fast-paced, team-based activity where participants race against the clock to collect balls from the opposing team’s basket and return them to their own. This challenge promotes movement, focus, teamwork, and friendly competition in a fun and engaging format.
 Lindsay, A. and Heleman, N. 2026, University of Nevada, Reno Extension
A group of people playing volleyball on beach.
Beach Ball Basketball
A fun, light movement activity where participants gently toss and catch a beach ball while engaging in simple coordination and teamwork. This challenge encourages focus, connection, and low-impact physical activity in an easy, approachable way.
 Lindsay, A. and Heleman, N. 2026, University of Nevada, Reno Extension
Hands reaching up towards a balloon.
Boop the Balloon
A light, movement-based activity where participants keep a balloon in the air by gently tapping (“booping”) it without letting it touch the ground. The goal is to stay present, engage in safe physical movement, and maintain focus while working individually or together.
 Lindsay, A. and Heleman, N. 2026, University of Nevada, Reno Extension
A brain made of various healthy foods to depict brain health.
Build your Brain with Healthy Fats
Healthy fats are essential for brain health. They help build and protect brain cells, support memory and learning, and aid communication between different parts of the brain.
 Lindsay, A. and Heleman, N. 2026, University of Nevada, Reno Extension
 

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.