Background - FNS has developed an ongoing reporting system for the nutrition education component of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The new Education and Administrative Reporting System (EARS) will provide uniform data and information about the nutrition education activities of all participating States across the country. The data collected under the new system will include demographic characteristics of participants receiving nutrition education benefits, information about education strategies and content, as well as about resource use. The EARS will provide FNS with uniform national data and information that will inform management decisions, support policy initiatives, provide documentation for legislative, budget and other requests, and support planning within the agency.

SNAP is the largest nutrition assistance program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture. In 2006, the Program served 26.6 million people each month. Nutrition education is an important but optional part of SNAP that plays an essential role in assisting SNAP recipients in making healthy food and active lifestyles choices.

Currently, 52 States agencies provide nutrition education as a part of SNAP. States submit an annual report containing some demographic information and a summary of progress in implementing prior year’s plans. However, there is wide variation in the type of information provided. The phenomenal growth of SNAP education (SNAP-Ed) over the last several years is a testament to both its importance and popularity.
Many factors contribute to the growth of SNAP-Ed. The alarming increase in diet related diseases, overweight, and obesity has resulted in growing recognition of the value of nutrition education in both helping SNAP participants become more self-sufficient but also in improving their chances for a healthier and more productive life. Federal and States policy makers are also more aware of the value of nutrition education in helping SNAP recipients provide their families with a nutritious diet while they are on the program and as they make the transition from welfare to work.

The rapid growth of the Program presents EARS with a number of challenges. One of the challenges identified in the April 28, 2000 OANE report of SNAP-Ed is the need to develop reporting systems to report both the number of clients being served by agencies and agency progress in meeting goals and objectives. EARS is a step forward meeting this challenge.