The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Bureau of Nutrition and Physical Activity (BNPA) invites applications for the AZ Health Zone (SNAP-Ed) Program under RFGA2025-005. This program is funded through the USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) and aims to reduce health inequities by improving access to nutrition and physical activity in underserved Arizona communities. The program emphasizes Policy, System, and Environmental (PSE) changes coupled with direct nutrition education (DE) and supportive marketing to create sustainable improvements in health equity.
The primary objective is to address food insecurity, enhance access to physical activity, and ensure outreach efforts align with the demographics of Arizona's SNAP-eligible populations. Awardees will engage communities through trauma-aware and equity-based approaches, incorporating community input into program planning and execution. The program supports various intervention strategies organized around themes such as Active Living, Early Care and Education (ECE) Systems, Food Systems, and Youth and Adolescent Systems. By 2030, the program seeks measurable outcomes, including reduced household food insecurity, increased physical activity opportunities, and enhanced community involvement in policy and environmental changes.
Eligible applicants include Arizona-based units of local, county, and state government, federally and state-recognized tribal governments, NGOs, tribal organizations, institutions of higher learning, and community-based organizations, including faith-based entities. Organizations must demonstrate the capacity to partner with other entities, implement PSE changes, and integrate equity and trauma-informed practices into their work. Entities must also show a commitment to sustainable programming within SNAP-eligible communities.
This cost-reimbursement grant requires thorough documentation and invoicing for all expenses. No minimum funding amount is specified, and pre-allocated, non-competitive funds will be awarded. 501(c)(3) status, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) registration from SAM.gov, and cost-sharing are not required for applicants.
Applications are due by March 12, 2025, at 12:00 PM. Awardees will be selected based on their ability to meet program objectives, engage communities effectively, and deliver measurable outcomes in nutrition and physical activity equity. Key considerations include organizational capacity, alignment with program principles, and demonstrated expertise in equity-driven, community-focused interventions.
The program's long-term goals emphasize collaboration, sustainability, and community empowerment to address systemic barriers to health equity. Applicants are encouraged to prioritize depth of programming and employ inclusive practices to achieve lasting improvements in health outcomes for Arizona's SNAP-eligible populations.
