SNAP-Ed: Empowering Students with Nutrition Education and Food Access

March 12, 2025

Middle and high school students at Gateway to Success Academy (G2S) in Scottville, Michigan, face barriers related to food security, transportation and health services. Many travel from surrounding counties to attend this school, which serves as a vital support system for students overcoming these challenges. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving students' health, academic performance and overall well being.

Since 2020, Michigan State University (MSU) Extension’s Community Nutrition Instructor Kendra Gibson has collaborated with G2S to provide nutrition education and enhance food access. In 2024, G2S launched a campus-based food club with support from Lakeshore Food Club in nearby Ludington. MSU Extension developed simple recipes and grab-and-go meal ideas for students to maximize the use of available food options. Additionally, Gibson guided teaching staff in photovoice - a research method that uses photography to help people document and reflect on their communities, and to promote action and policy change - project highlighting food disparities and assisted the school in obtaining a SNAP-Ed mini-grant. This funding enabled students in the industrial education program to design and build a mobile produce cart, expanding access to fresh produce at the food club.