Advancing statewide collaboration to improve food security, nutrition education, and healthy communities across California
A Statewide Collaborative
California’s State Nutrition Action Council (SNAC) is a statewide collaborative with representation from SNAP-Ed state agencies, nonprofits, universities, and public health partners working together to improve nutrition and health outcomes for underserved Californians. The California Department of Social Services provides leadership and administrative support for the council, with coordination, facilitation, communications, and resource development support provided by PHI CWN and Brown Miller Communications.
Through coordinated planning and partnership, California SNAC supports food and nutrition security efforts across the lifespan by advancing nutrition education, healthy community strategies, obesity prevention initiatives, and equitable access to healthy foods.
The council provides a platform for collaboration, shared learning, and resource development, helping partners align efforts and strengthen statewide approaches to public health and chronic disease prevention.
Explore the Page:
Learn about California SNAC’s governance structure, statewide initiatives, partnership efforts, and featured resources supporting nutrition security and healthy communities.
Featured Initiatives
Community Gardens Initiative
Supporting local policymakers and communities in creating and sustaining community gardens that improve health, strengthen communities, and increase access to fresh foods.
Farmers Market Initiative (FMI)
Increasing utilization of food and nutrition assistance benefits at farmers markets and promoting Market Match opportunities for CalFresh participants.
Governance & Policy Coordination
Strengthening statewide collaboration through governance modernization, standing committees, policy coordination, and cross-sector engagement.
Governance & Partnership Resources
| Resource | Download / View |
|---|---|
| SNAC Governance Guidelines | Download Resource |
| California SNAC Fact Sheet | Download PDF |
| Updated Membership Directory | View Directory |
Policy & Coordination Resources
| Resource | Download / View |
|---|---|
| SNAC FFY 2025–2026 Policy Plan | Download Plan |
| Quarterly Meeting Agendas & Presentation Decks | View Materials |
Community Gardens Initiative
Launched in 2022, the Community Gardens Initiative supports local policymakers and community organizations in developing and sustaining community gardens across California.
| Resource | Download / View |
|---|---|
| Community Gardens Fact Sheet | Download PDF |
| Community Gardens Issue Brief | Download PDF |
| Community Gardens Planning Guide | Download PDF |
| Community Gardens Dissemination Tools | View Resources |
Farmers Market Initiative (FMI)
The Farmers Market Initiative focused on increasing awareness and utilization of CalFresh and Market Match benefits at local farmers markets among low-resource Californians.
| Resource | Download / View |
|---|---|
| Farmers Market Initiative Fact Sheet | Download PDF |
| Farmers Market Initiative Resources | View Resource |
| Get More at the Farmers Market: Stretch Your Dollar | View Resource |
| Pear Mango Salsa Recipe | View Resource |
| Get More at the Farmers Market: Market Match | View Resource |
Statewide Campaigns & Communications
California SNAC has supported statewide communications and outreach initiatives designed to increase awareness of nutrition resources and reduce barriers to participation among priority populations.
| Resource | Download / View |
|---|---|
| COVID Response Nutrition Communications Toolkit | View Toolkit |
California SNAC Partners
California SNAC includes collaboration across state agencies, nonprofits, universities, and public health organizations committed to advancing nutrition security and healthy communities.
- 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
Our Impact
California SNAC strengthens statewide collaboration by:
- Aligning nutrition education and food access efforts across agencies and organizations
- Supporting equitable access to healthy foods and community resources
- Advancing community-based and policy-focused nutrition initiatives
- Strengthening partnerships that support food and nutrition security
- Promoting coordinated approaches to chronic disease prevention and healthy communities
- Supporting statewide dissemination of culturally and linguistically appropriate resources
- Building infrastructure for long-term statewide collaboration and systems alignment
