Exploring the Feasibility of Partnerships between Public Libraries and the SNAP-Ed Program

ABSTRACT

This study assessed the feasibility of partnerships between public libraries and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) for delivery of direct nutrition education and adoption of nutrition and physical activity supports. Reported here are findings from interviews conducted with 14 librarians between December 2015 and February 2016. Librarians spoke of initiatives they were doing around healthy eating and active living and how they would like to do more. They also articulated overlap between their patrons and the program’s target audience. Several opportunities for and challenges to building partnerships between public libraries and the SNAP-Ed program surfaced.

KEYWORDS:

• Nutrition
• physical activity
• SNAP-Ed
• public libraries

Disclosure statement

In accordance with Taylor & Francis policy and my ethical obligation as a researcher, I am reporting that I have no conflicts of interest related to this study.

Additional information

Funding

This study was conducted with funding from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed);U.S. Department of Agriculture;

Notes on contributors

Carrie L. Draper

Carrie L. Draper is a Senior Research Associate in the Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior at the University of South Carolina’s Arnold School of Public Health. She received her MSW from the University of South Carolina with a concentration in Communities and Organizations. Her research and evaluation activities focus on food insecurity, obesity, nutrition assistance programs, and community capacity building for local and equitable food systems. She has experience creating and studying library social work and public health programs.