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What Is PA TRACKS?The Pennsylvania Nutrition Education TRACKS (PA TRACKS) is a community-based nutrition education program for individuals and families who receive or are eligible to receive Food Stamps. The program goal is to increase the likelihood that Food Stamp recipients will use their food dollars and Food Stamps appropriately, make healthy food choices consistent with the Food Guide Pyramid and the Dietary Guidelines, and provide a safe meal environment. People can improve their everyday lives through participation in PA TRACKS programs. Potential benefits include:
Who Is Eligible?The PA TRACKS provides food and nutrition education exclusively for food stamp recipients and for food stamp-eligible persons. How is the Program Delivered?The program is administered through Cooperative Extension in cooperation with community partners. PA TRACKS nutrition educators deliver informal and easily accessible educational programs in homes or community meeting places. They teach families and individuals practical skills in healthy eating, food safety, and budgeting. Programs take into account variables such as age, culture, reading ability, and physical or developmental limitations. PA TRACKS program lessons, food demonstrations, displays, newsletters, handouts, and other activities designed for audiences ranging from parents, children, and pregnant teens to seniors. AdultsLessons based on the Food Guide Pyramid and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans teach participants how to make good choices to improve the nutritional quality of the meals they serve their families. Through experiential learning, participants can increase their ability to:
Children and YouthPA TRACKS provides nutrition education to help children and youth develop healthy eating patterns and skills in preparing nutritious meals and snacks. The curriculum emphasizes learning by experience and reflection and is adaptable to a variety of educational settings. Delivery modes include after-school programs, day camps, 4-H clubs, and youth group activities during the summer. Mature AdultsMature adults participate in hands-on educational activities to learn how to stretch their food dollars and make healthy food choices. The learn-by-doing approach encourages positive behavior changes. Activities also cover common medical conditions, dental health, drug issues, and the importance of dietary variety, saving time and money, weight gain or loss, and overcoming obstacles to shopping, cooking, and eating healthfully. FundingFunding for the PA TRACKS is a cooperative venture between the federal, state, and local governments. The PA TRACKS is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) through the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW) and is matched with State and County funds through a myriad of community agencies and organizations. For More InformationAdditional details on PA TRACKS and its impacts can be found in the PA TRACKS Fact Sheet 2006 (Adobe Acrobat format). More information about PA TRACKS can be found on the Pennsylvania TRACKS Program website. For more information about Penn State Nutrition Links programs, contact your county Cooperative Extension Office or: Penn State Cooperative Extension and Outreach
Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture's policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs or disability.To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider.This publication is available in alternative media on request
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