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Douglas County

K-State Research and Extension Douglas County 
2110 Harper Street
Lawrence KS 66046

Hours: 8 am - 5 pm
Monday - Friday

785-843-7058

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We stand for the fair and equitable treatment of all people. Read more...

Public Statement of Equity and Justice (pdf)

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program LogoWhat is SNAP-Ed?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) is sponsored by the USDA through a contract with the Department for Children and Families (DCF) and implemented by Kansas State Research and Extension (KSRE). Our goal is to provide nutrition education to individuals and families who receive food assistance or who are eligible to receive food assistance. For our most recent news, click News & Events. 

What do we do?

We provide evidence-based, interactive nutrition, and fitness education for families, seniors, and children.

We help those we serve:

  • Enjoy more fruits and vegetables
  • Choose and prepare nutritious meals and snacks
  • Develop budgeting, shopping and cooking skills
  • Use safe food handling, preparation and storage practices

The strength and reach of SNAP-Ed is due, in large part, to the collaborative efforts of Extension and local community agencies and organizations that share a common concern for the welfare of limited resource residents of Douglas County.

Partnering agencies include:

Schools and Libraries
WIC and Local Health Departments
Senior Centers and Congregate Meal Sites
Head Start and Childcare Centers
Churches
Hospitals and Clinics
Food Banks and Pantries
Commodity Food Distribution Centers
Shelters

Kansas SNAP-Ed Impact Report 2021

Full PDF of Kansas SNAP-Ed Impact Report 

Kansas SNAP-Ed Impact Report: The Kansas SNAP-Ed program is supported by the United States Department of Agriculture grant, in partnership with the Kansas Department for Children and Families and implemented by Kansas State University Research and Extension in 54 counties and 4 Federally Recognized Tribes across Kansas. SNAP-Ed provided nutrition education to youth, adults and older adults and partnered with local agencies and organizations using multi-level interventions and community engagement as an effective way to improve the lives and health of Kansans. The Challenge 1 in 3 1 in 4 2 in 5 1 in 5 1 in 4 Kansas adults are obese Kansas children and 1 in 8 Kansas adults faced hunger during COVID-19 Kansas adults consumed fruit less than once per day Kansas adults consumed vegetables less than once per day Kansas adults are physically inactive. The SolutionEMPOWER Empower low-income youth and adults to eat healthy foods and be physically active CHANGE POLICIES Change policies, systems, and environments to make healthy choices easier and more desirable COLLABORATE Collaborate with community partners and coalitions to create a culture of health. The Outcomes Reached over 3,500 Kansans through a series of direct education lessons After participating in the Kansas SNAP-Ed Program, adult participants made behavioral changes in the following areas to improve their health: Planned meals more often Ate fruit more times a day Ate vegetables more times a day Worried about food less often Exercised more days for at least 30 minutes each day 53% 47% 40% 30% 45% 45% 25% Made grocery lists more often Washed hands before preparing foods more often

Community Projects FARMERS MARKETS 10 sites Reached Over 800 people Implemented Double Up Food Bucks Expanded Use of SNAP/EBT. SCHOOLS 8 sites Reached Over 650 people Maintained edible gardens Improved menus/recipes COMMUNITY GARDENS 8 sites Reached Over 250 people Maintained edible gardens Expanded the collection of excess harvest for distribution to charitable organizations. SNAP-Ed Counties Over 7,100 Kansans were reached by SNAP-Ed programs through multi-level intervention. An average of 203,526 Kansans per month received SNAP benefits.

Kids Cooking Camp Increased Kids Cooking Skills in Pottawatomie County This summer, youth from the St. Marys Grade School learned how to cut fresh fruit and made fruit pizza during the Kids in the Kitchen Cooking Camp. Tossed Green Salad, Breakfast Banana Split, and Tempting Tostadas were some of the recipes that youth made during this 4-day camp. Not only did they learn how to follow recipes, but they also learned food safety skills, MyPlate, and fun physical activity stretches. A participant’s parent said, “It is so nice to see my daughter excited about cooking new things. She is very picky and never wants to try anything. She probably seemed much the same to the teachers but to me I saw her light up with telling me about each recipe. Thank you!!!” Free Locally Grown Fruits and Vegetables for Johnson and Wyandotte Residents. Over 290 low-income Johnson and Wyandotte residents received a total of 2,600 pounds of leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, hot peppers, cucumbers, and watermelon. This was made possible by a new partnership between the Kansas SNAP-Ed program, K-State Olathe Horticulture Center (OHC) and After the Harvest (ATH), a non-profit organization that rescues fresh produce from waste. OHC coordinated with volunteers and ATH to plant, maintain, and harvest the produce. Produce from the garden was donated to ATH for distribution in food pantries, shelters, and community kitchens increasing locally grown fresh produce access. Community Engagements with Kansas Tribes Tribal community members and families from all Kansas federally recognized tribes participated in an outdoor drive-through Sunday Fun Day event in August. Kansas SNAP-Ed and the Tribal Food Systems staff coordinated with the Kansas Tribal Health Summit Planning Committee and ensured the event happened to provide activities and supplies supporting the communities during COVID-19. All families received a bag with information on healthy living, physical activity, and family activity resources. Each family also received whole grain chips and a take-home recipe with ingredients for black bean and corn salsa. Participants who won door prizes received ground bison, a cooler, blankets, or day passes for a fitness center. Volunteers assembled bags of education resources and lesson reinforcement items at the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Boys and Girls Club. Transportation provided for Wichita SNAP users to get to Farmers Markets Wichita SNAP users got free bus rides to and from Old Town Farm and Art Market and Kansas Grown! Farmers Market. Free bus rides were funded by the City of Wichita Transit. Riders showed their SNAP/EBT cards to receive the free ride to one of the markets. Once they arrived, they could use their SNAP/EBT cards to purchase SNAP eligible foods and received up to $25 in additional benefits through the Double Up Food Bucks, for locally grown fruits and vegetables. Then, they showed the cards to get a free ride back home. This is a partnership between the Sedgwick County Extension SNAP-Ed program, Wichita Transit, and Sedgwick County Government. Double Up Food Bucks Debut in Cowley County. SNAP recipients can now double their benefits up to $25 per market visit at the Ark City Farm and Art Market and Walnut Valley Farmers Market. Cowley Farmers Market Association (CFMA) with leadership from a SNAP-Ed Agent and the Double Up Food Bucks Coordinator launched this Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) program during COVID-19. A total of $5,574 was distributed through SNAP-EBT and DUFB tokens and $4,632 were redeemed. The program benefits the markets, customers, vendors, and community. For sustainability, the Cowley Farmers Market Association signed a pledge to continue the DUFB program for 5 years through the Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas. The group received a $5,000 grant to support and promote the Double Up Food Bucks program.

Upcoming Classes and Events

 

-No Classes or Events at this time- 

Community Resources

EBT available now online

Douglas County food resources: https://tinyurl.com/ycsbso5h | Recursos de comida del Condado Douglas https://tinyurl.com/ycmfty3e
Douglas County Food Resource List | Recursos de comida del Condado Douglas

Douglas County Food Resources Presentation

County-Wide Pantry Meeting Presentation

How to Get a SNAP Application

Harvesters KC Cooking YouTube Videos

Douglas County Free & Reduced School Meals Applications

Basic Foods Checklist

Double Up Food Bucks

CHAMPSS Program for Seniors

Douglas County SNAP Participation by Kansas Appleseed

Fuel Good Pantry Partners

"Food Good Pantry" is an initiative implemented by LiveWell Douglas County and K-State Research and Extension - Douglas County SNAP-Ed. The mission of this program is to "Contribute to increased access and consumption of healthy food, nutrition education, and health resources available to food assistance program clientele in Douglas County." Fuel Good representatives will support pantries in creating an unique action plan and implementing goals outlined in their action plan.

Fuel Good Pantry Overview

Fuel Good Pantry Services

Fuel Your Family

Fuel Your Family is a series of infographics and resources aimed at assisting limited income individuals and families. These infographics cover food-related topics, such as food safety, physical activity, cooking, & nutrition. SNAP-Ed Douglas County created the Fuel Your Family initiative in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to learn more!