California’s State Nutrition Action Council (SNAC)

California’s SNAC is a state-level collaborative with active representation from all state agencies and nonprofits that implement USDA programs. Together, the SNAC partnering organizations reach underserved people throughout their life span, providing food benefits, nutrition education, healthy community changes, and obesity prevention services to reduce food insecurity and improve the quality of life of Californians.

If you are interested in developing state-level, cross-program partnerships, download the SNAC Toolkit for more information. You can also view the SNAC Governance Guidelines for details on how the coalition is structured and operates.

SNAC Logo

SNAC Community Gardens Initiative

In 2022, SNAC launched an initiative to target policy changes that support gardening at the local level. Recognizing the many health benefits of community gardens, the council developed a toolkit for local policymakers to develop and sustain gardens in their communities.

Local policymakers and decision-makers are encouraged to download these tools to better understand the benefits that community gardens offer and get started developing community gardens.

Fact Sheet

A quick overview of the value of gardens, listing gardens’ health benefits for the individual, environment, and community. Outlines initial steps for building policy in support of gardens and tapping into SNAC resources.

Download
Young parents with son smiling and watering plants in a garden
Photo of a field of lettuce

Issue Brief

An expanded look how local policymakers can bolster the health of their community by supporting community gardens. Provides evidence of the value of community gardens, examines associated policy challenges and offers success stories and action items.

Download

Planning Guide

A step-by-step guide for developing and maintaining a community garden with a consistent focus on policy. Activates policymakers and connects them with SNAC resources and tailored assistance.

Download
Growing green onions scallions, basil and avocado from scraps by propagating in water in a jar on a window sill

SNAC Members

SNACs were established to maximize nutrition education efforts and improve coordination and cooperation among the SNAP-Ed State agencies, FNS nutrition assistance programs, public health agencies, and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program.

  • CalFresh Healthy Living, California Department of Social Services
  • CalFresh and Nutrition Branch, California Department of Social Services
  • CalFresh Healthy Living, University of California
  • California Department of Aging
  • California Department of Education
  • California Department of Food and Agriculture's Office of Farm to Fork
  • California Department of Public Health - Nutrition and Physical Activity Branch
  • California Department of Public Health - Women, Infants & Children Division
  • Catholic Charities of California
  • Child and Adult Care Food Program Branch, California Department of Social Services
  • Leah's Pantry
  • Public Health Institute, Center for Wellness and Nutrition
  • University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources