Our PSE (Policy, Systems, and Environment) projects include Core and Supplemental Activities to drive impactful, sustainable change within our communities. Ambassadors can implement these strategies without prior approval from the state office. If you are interested in doing a different PSE strategy, please fill out the PSE Strategy Action Plan Form available on the staff website.
PSE Core Projects
These activities aim for long-term changes and are essential for building healthier communities. Counties are encouraged to complete a set number based on their location: 5 activities in rural counties, and 10 activities in urban counties per fiscal year.
market booth in purple outline Create Healthy Pantries
Strategy: Increase visibility and appeal of healthy foods in pantry
Tools:
Toolkit (PDF)
Program Policies Toolkit summary for pantry staff (PDF)
Assessment tool (PDF)
All available resources
Strategy: Increase availability of healthy foods in pantry
Tools:
Toolkit (Coming Soon)
Assessment tool (Coming Soon)
All available resources
Strategy: Increase availability of healthy foods in a pantry
Tools:
Toolkit (Coming Soon)
Assessment tool (Coming Soon)
Create Healthy Schools
Strategy: Increase availability of healthy foods in schools
Tools:
Toolkit (PDF) (coming soon)
Assessment tool (PDF) (coming soon)
All available resources (coming soon)
Strategy: Increase the appeal of healthy options and education in school cafeterias
Tools:
Toolkit (PDF) (coming soon)
Assessment tool (PDF) (coming soon)
All available resources
Create Healthy Stores
Strategy: Increase availability, visibility, and appeal of healthy foods in small retail settings
Tools:
Toolkit (PDF)
Assessment tool (PDF)
All available resources
Strategy: Increase visibility and appeal of healthy foods in retail settings
Tools:
Toolkit (PDF) (coming soon)
Assessment tool (PDF) (coming soon)
All available resources (coming soon)
PSE Supplemental Projects
These activities support partnerships and enhance the impact of core projects. They are less resource-intensive and are vital for community engagement and relationship building. They include:
Green box with a heart on the front Senior Boxes
Senior Box program is an extension of the USDA Commodity Supplemental Food Program. Materials can be found here.
deep orange outline of an oven Recipe Card Drop Off
Regularly deliver recipe cards to food pantries that complement available ingredients. This helps families prepare healthy, budget-friendly meals.
grey and blue hands shaking Food Pantry Volunteer Support
Support volunteers at food pantries; assist with food distribution, organize shelves, and provide nutritional guidance to clients.
outline in dark green of a chef in a large chef cap Cooking Demonstrations at Food Pantries
Partner with local food pantries, community centers, or schools to offer cooking demonstrations that highlight easy, healthy meals using local or donated ingredients.
purple outline of a booth at a market Host Booths at Farmers Markets
Set up informational booths at farmers markets to educate SNAP recipients and other customers on healthy food choices, how to use SNAP benefits, and budgeting tips for healthy eating. Farmers market materials can be found here.
orange outline of an old fashion typewriter Newsletters
Pantries, DWS locations, and libraries are excellent places to offer a Create Better Health newsletter. Include a healthy recipe, nutrition or physical activity tip, and information on upcoming classes.
For more information, please contact Amberly Lambertsen.