FAQs

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Happy Healthy FAQs

Q. What is HappyHealthy?

A. HappyHealthy is a program created to help everyone in Mississippi live a happier, healthier life.

We focus on food, because food is a big factor in health. And good food makes us happy!

We believe that everyone can enjoy the foods they love, in a healthier way. Making healthier choices about food is one of the easiest ways to live a healthier life.

Make the choices that will keep you healthy, and being healthy will make you happy!

HappyHealthy is brought to you by the Mississippi State University Extension Service. Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Mississippi Department of Human Services.

 

Q. What is MyPlate?

A. MyPlate is an easy-to-follow guide to help adults and children make healthy choices for balanced meals and better health.

It was created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, whose scientists worked with nutrition researchers and educators at universities around the U.S.

MyPlate recommends that you:

You can find out more at https://www.choosemyplate.gov/ and https://kidshealth.org/

 

Q. How can I be more active?

A. Here are some quick and easy ways to add physical activity to your routine.

1. Move every day.

  • Walk around your block or up and down your street.
  • Use the stairs whenever you can.
  • Work in your home or your yard. Housecleaning and gardening are good exercise

2. Make it fun.

  • Figure out which activity you like the best and just do it!
  • Walk or work out with a buddy.
  • Try new things.
  • Dance.
  • Try a class at a gym, YMCA, or community center.

3. What if . . .

  • I don’t have time?
    • Work in fitness anytime.
    • If you sit for long periods of time, stand up for 3 to 5 minutes every hour.
    • Walk or step in place with you are on the phone or watching television.
  • I feel embarrassed?
    • Work out inside your home.
    • Walk up and down the hall or the stairs.
  • It costs too much?
    • Do free activities like walking or running.
    • Look for free fitness classes. Sometimes community centers or churches offer them for free.
  • It’s boring?
    • Keep trying new things until you find an activity you really like.
    • Listen to music, watch television, or talk on the phone while you walk or workout.

 

Q. What is SNAP-Ed?

A. SNAP-Ed is a federally funded nutrition-education program for adults and kids who don’t have a lot of money to spend.

Our mission is to promote healthy environments, nutrition, and physically active lifestyles to bring about changes in families, communities, and policies in Mississippi.

SNAP-Ed provides education focused on healthy food choices, physical activity, food security, food safety, and managing a food budget.

The SNAP-Ed program is delivered in Mississippi by the Mississippi State University Extension Service. Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Mississippi Department of Human Services.

 

Q. Are the SNAP-Ed lessons really free?

A. Yes. All programs and lessons are free of charge.

 

Q. What are the programs you offer?

A. SNAP-Ed offers five free programs for children, adults, and families, as well as schools, after-school programs, and summer programs. They are:

  • Cooking Matters®
  • Cooking Matters® at the Store
  • Show Me Nutrition
  • Fun With Food
  • Today's Mom

 

Q. What will I learn in your programs?

A. In our hands-on programs, you will learn how to:

  • Plan and make healthy, quick, meals and snacks.
  • Keep food safe to eat.
  • Make traditional Southern meals in healthier ways.
  • Save money and stretch your food dollars.
  • Increase physical activity for yourself and your family.

 

Q. Who leads these activities?

A. All SNAP-Ed activities are led by trained and caring nutrition educators and Extension agents who live in your community. They care about you and your success!

 

Q. Do I have to know how to cook before I come to your classes?

A. No cooking experience is needed. Our lessons and hands-on activities will help you gain skills in the kitchen.

 

Q. What do I get if I come to your classes?

A. When you come to the SNAP-Ed classes, you will get great information you can use. In some classes, you will also:

  • Participate in live cooking demonstrations.
  • Taste the food you make.
  • Take home easy, low-cost recipes.
  • Learn basic cooking and kitchen safety skills.
  • Learn how to manage your food budget to get more for your money.

 

Q. Are your lessons like high school or college classes?

A. No. Our lessons are fun, hands-on, and easy-to-understand. You will learn practical information you can use right away.

 

Q. How can I join SNAP-Ed in my community?

A. We provide lessons and activities in communities throughout Mississippi at locations like these:

  • MSU Extension offices
  • WIC Centers
  • Senior Centers and Community Centers
  • Libraries
  • Schools and after-school programs

For more information about classes in your community, contact the Mississippi State University Extension office in your county.

 

Q. Do I need to be getting SNAP benefits to attend SNAP-Ed programs?

A. No. You do not have to be getting SNAP benefits to participate in SNAP-Ed.

If you participate in programs like these, you are probably eligible for SNAP-Ed:

  • WIC
  • Head Start
  • TANF
  • Food banks or food pantries
  • Shelters

 

Q. Will attending the SNAP-Ed lessons or programs affect my SNAP benefits or other benefits, like WIC?

No. SNAP-Ed is an additional resource for you and will not affect your other benefits.

 

Q. Where can I find out about getting SNAP benefits?

A. For more information on SNAP, please visit the SNAP web site for Mississippi

 

Q. How can I find a food pantry or food bank near me?

A. These web sites can help you find emergency food organizations, food pantries, food banks, and/or soup kitchens near you:

 

Q. How can I find a farmers market near me?

A. You can find a Mississippi Farmers Markets at the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce web site.

 

Q. How can I find an MSU Extension office near me?

Click here to find the MSU Extension office in your county

 

Q. How can my agency or organization partner with SNAP-Ed?

A. Contact Sylvia Byrd, Project Director, at 662-325-1340 or shb5@msstate.edu.

 

Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English.  Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (833) 620-1071, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to:

1.    MAIL:
Food and Nutrition Service, USDA
1320 Braddock Place, Room 334
Alexandria, VA 22314

2.    FAX:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442

3.    EMAIL:
FNSCIVILRIGHTSCOMPLAINTS@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
This material was funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP.
 

FNS Nondiscrimination Statement