In 79 counties, Extension faculty have made a commitment to the program. The 79 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. These coalition members represented 156 local and state government agencies and officials, educators, community organizations, businesses, Extension faculty and more than 130 Food Stamp recipients.
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-five extension faculty, county coalition members and program partners conducted 9,461 teaching sessions. Educational programming occurred in places frequented by Food Stamp recipients.