In Jackson County, more than 13% of residents identify as Hispanic, Latino or Latinx. To improve equity and access in nutrition education, the Oregon State University Extension Service Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) program prioritizes culturally relevant outreach to Spanish-speaking youths, families and adults.
As a result of this intentional outreach and collaboration, more Spanish-speaking families in Jackson County are engaging with OSU Extension programs.
To make programs more inclusive, bilingual SNAP-Ed staff collaborate with trusted local organizations serving the Latino community. Two bilingual program assistants lead this work, building strong partnerships with groups including the Oregon Child Development Coalition, Kids Unlimited Academy, Jackson Elementary School, the Childcare Resource Network and the Medford School District Migrant Education Program.
At Kids Unlimited Academy, where 80% of students are Latino and 25% are in the federal Migrant Education Program, SNAP-Ed staff teach nutrition education in both English and Spanish. They also teach in dual-language classrooms at Jackson Elementary, where over 50% of students are Latino. SNAP-Ed staff provide nutrition lessons, physical activity education and hands-on learning to help students build lifelong healthy habits.
To further support access, Jackson County SNAP-Ed staff helped translate the BE Physically Active 2Day (BEPA 2.0) leaders’ guide into Spanish. They also provide lessons and resources for students enrolled in summer enrichment programs through the Medford School District’s Migrant Education Program.
SNAP-Ed reaches Spanish-speaking adults through bilingual series such as Eat Smart, Be Active and Cooking Matters for Childcare Professionals. Each year, SNAP-Ed trains about 60 childcare providers in Spanish through the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program. Extension also distributes Food Hero newsletters and recipes in Spanish and English at local grocery stores, increasing visibility and access to healthy eating tips across the community.
As a result of this intentional outreach and collaboration, more Spanish-speaking families in Jackson County are engaging with OSU Extension programs. Community members are beginning to recognize Extension as a trusted resource for bilingual nutrition education and healthy living. By building partnerships and delivering relevant content, SNAP-Ed continues to expand its impact and inclusivity in Southern Oregon.
