SNAP Outreach Strategic Planning

In 2009, Oregon Public Health Institute coordinated the SNAP and Health Roundtable project, a year long capacity-building project that culminated with six broad recommendations.  One of these six broad recommendations outlines the roundtable’s directive to improve SNAP outreach efforts to Oregon families.

Recommendation: Develop SNAP outreach policies and programs so that individuals of Oregon receive consistent and coordinated messages about SNAP benefits as a vehicle to promote good nutrition and health.

Rationale: To promote SNAP utilization and inform the eligible population of the secondary benefits of program participation and promote good nutrition and health.

In spring of 2010, the Oregon Department of Human Services, Office of Self-Sufficiency Programs, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program contracted with Oregon Public Health Institute to support and facilitate a strategic planning process for Oregon SNAP outreach to assure the success and accountability of outreach efforts to Oregonians.  This project’s initial goals included:

• Analysis of data to establish baseline outreach efforts and identify target populations;
• Convening of outreach contractors to share and identify specific outreach tactics and materials as well as roles and responsibilities of subcontractors;
• Facilitation of a group planning process to identify a theme for Oregon outreach to promote health;
• Development of consistent and effective outreach messaging for outreach efforts across Oregon; and
• Explore opportunities to promote health messages as a SNAP marketing strategy.

At the culmination of the strategic planning process, OPHI in collaboration with DHS and a core group of SNAP outreach partners, developed a report to reflect the work.  To view the SNAP outreach strategic plan report, click here.