Since 2022, the "Steps to Health" program, a cornerstone initiative under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed), has made significant strides in fostering positive behavior change related to nutrition and physical activity in Bertie County.

Led by the dedicated North Carolina Cooperative Extension Bertie County Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) agent, Elizabeth Baker, Steps to Health's direct education programs have reached an impressive 6,641 participants since 2022. This includes 1,141 youth and 5,500 adults, all of whom have benefited from the valuable insights and practical strategies required for healthier living.

But the impact extends far beyond direct education. Steps to Health has actively championed 159 policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change initiatives. By providing site-specific resources and engaging community leaders in collaborative efforts, the program has driven significant changes. These initiatives have focused on increasing healthy food options, expanding opportunities for physical activity, and promoting healthier choices across the board, all to impact the health of North Carolinians positively.

A notable example of this collaborative spirit is the partnership between Bertie County Extension and Partnerships to Improve Community Health (PICH). This collaboration successfully offered Farmers’ Market produce vouchers to 60 participants attending the “Take Control” classes, resulting in an impressive 93.3% redemption rate! The success of this innovative program was even highlighted in a scientific publication:

Lyonnais, M.J.; Rafferty, A.P.; Spratt, S.; Jilcott Pitts, S. (2022). A produce prescription program in eastern North Carolina yields increased voucher redemption rates and higher fruit and vegetable intake among participants. Nutrients, 14, 2431.
The vital messages promoting healthy eating and physical activity have also resonated widely through extensive outreach. Steps to Health has generated an astounding 10,798,754 impressions across various media platforms, including social media, billboards, text messages, and print media, ensuring their message reaches a broad and diverse audience.

The continued success of Steps to Health underscores its critical role in building a healthier North Carolina, one step at a time. These comprehensive efforts have already led to significant self-reported positive health outcomes for North Carolinians, including:

 

• Youth increasing physical activity: 83%
• Youth eating more fruit: 74%
• Youth eating more vegetables: 55%
• Adults eating more vegetables: 69%
• Adults eating more fruit: 64%
• Physically active adults: 52%

 

We encourage you to learn more and find delicious, healthy recipes on the Steps To Health website. Join us in building a healthier Bertie County!