Half the funding was contracted through the Tennessee Department of Human Services and USDA Food and Consumer Services. In 80 counties, Extension faculty have made a commitment to the program. The 80 county coalitions identified nutrition needs of Food Stamp recipients and eligible recipients. Based on their conclusions, coalitions mobilized local services and resources to conduct an active nutrition education program for adults and youth, followed by evaluation documenting program impact. County coalition members represented a variety of community people.
Coalitions appoint a chairperson and secretary, but operate as a council of equals.
Outcomes County coalitions established learning environments throughout the community. Community personnel such as classroom teachers, day care providers and school food service workers participated in these educational sessions. These trained volunteers conducted an average of three community-based nutrition education programs each, for individuals or small groups. Two thousand six hundred and sixty-four Extension faculty, county coalition members and program partners conducted 7,255 teaching sessions. Training was conducted statewide to assess low-literacy clientele.