About TRACKS

What is Food Stamp Nutrition Education (FSNE)?

FSNE is a set of learning experiences designed to promote healthy eating behaviors, active lifestyles and other nutrition-related behaviors conducive to health and well-being for those on a limited budget. Nutrition education activities are based on the USDA’s 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPyramid Food Guidance System. In Pennsylvania, FSNE is administered by Pennsylvania Nutrition Education Tracks.

What is Pennsylvania Nutrition Education Tracks (Tracks)?

Tracks is a statewide program that provides Food Stamp Nutrition Education (FSNE) to low-income individuals and families who are eligible to receive Food Stamp benefits. The program aims to foster positive behavioral changes related to nutrition and physical activity.

How is Tracks funded?

Pennsylvania Nutrtion Education Tracks is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) with .pdf icon matching cost share funds from state and other non-federal support. Tracks is administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, and is managed by the Pennsylvania State University (PSU) College of Health and Human Development.

How is FSNE Delivered in Pennsylvania?

Tracks partners with local community agencies to deliver FSNE through classes, school-based programs, county assistance offices, farmer’s markets, health clinics, food pantries, low-income housing, and other venues reaching low-income audiences.

Nutrition education projects and activities are based on statewide plans (also called “tracks”, the program’s namesake) for key target audiences. Currently programming tracks are in place for preschool children, school-age children, and adults/seniors. These contain statewide behaviorally-focused Objectives, age-specific teaching Strategies, science-based Curricula, and research-based Evaluation tools. Click on the following to view each track description:

Tracks descriptions: