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General Information about the
Arizona Nutrition Network
Who we are:
The Arizona Nutrition Network (AzNN) is a program of the Arizona Department of Health Services that promotes health and nutrition to people who are participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or who are eligible to participate.
What is our mission:
To shape food consumption in a positive way, promote health, and reduce disease among all people living in Arizona.
What we do:
The Arizona Nutrition Network helps its partners to provide nutrition education through statewide campaigns and informational materials.
How we work:
The Arizona Nutrition Network is an Arizona program with statewide partners that include health departments, Native American tribes, school districts, food banks, and non-profit agencies.
Current Campaigns
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Fruits and Veggies–More Matters:
Eating fruits and veggies support a healthy heart, brain, and body. Fruits and veggies keep you full and give you the energy to get through the day. Eat them every day to keep you and your family healthy.
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Serve a Healthy Plate with Healthy Proteins
Healthy Proteins have all the benefit of other proteins with less saturated fat and more healthy fat, which may help reduce your risk of heart disease.
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Whole Grain Goodness
Whole grains are good for you and your family. Try to make half of all the grains you eat whole. Whole grains are healthy because they contain more nutrients like fiber and B vitamins. Fiber is especially important for digestion and it helps keep you full after a meal.
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Be Active Your Way
Physical activity is important for you and your family. There are lots of ways to be active. Get tips and information about how to make sure your family gets enough physical activity from the Arizona Department of Health Services, then get moving!
Learn More: http://azdhs.gov/phs/physicalactivity/
Snap
What is SNAP?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) helps families and low income people buy the food they need to have good health. First put into operation in 1939, SNAP, the United States' food stamp program, is still in use today. Its goal is to provide people earning little to no income with a means of purchasing food. The program is mainly funded by the federal government, with each state carrying out its own operations.
Who can receive SNAP?
SNAP is based on income and expenses. To find out more, visit your local Department of Economic Security office or visit USDA for more information.
What does the program provide?
SNAP is meant to supplement the income of those who participate by helping them purchase healthy food with an electronic debit card that is provided. The amount of money on the card depends on the participant's income and expenses.
Participants in SNAP can purchase foods that will be prepared in the home before eating. Some examples include: breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables, meats, fish, poultry, and dairy products.
Participants can also use SNAP benefits to buy seeds and plants that produce food. The program does not allow the participant to use SNAP money to buy alcohol, hot foods, foods to be eaten in the store, vitamins and medicines, pet foods, or non-food items (such as toiletries). In some areas, restaurants are allowed to accept SNAP benefits from qualified homeless, elderly, or disabled people in exchange for low-cost meals.
How to apply:
Visit the USDA for more information regarding the application process, or go to your local DES office.
Champions for Change
What is a Champion for Change?
Champions for Change lead their families to develop healthier habits. It might be a mom that has made the switch to low fat or fat free milk, or a mom that has made sure that half of the meal plate includes fruits and vegetables, or the family that makes sure to take a long walk together each day.
All have made small changes to improve their healthy lifestyles!
Be a Champion for Change in your household.
Remember that making small changes can add up to big wins!
