Missouri 4-H received $25,000 from Missouri Care Inc. to support young people across Missouri in promoting healthy habits in their communities.

The 4-H Student Nutrition Advisory Council (SNAC) initiative creates new 4-H clubs that focus on teaching nutrition along with leadership and citizenship skills central to 4-H.

A news release says 4-H SNAC clubs reach new youths and families through partnerships with MU Extension nutrition education programs, schools and other community organizations. The clubs meet in school or after school with nutrition education programs for underserved youths. Members learn to advocate for increased nutrition awareness, education and initiatives in their communities.

A successful pilot program in the Kansas City area created 20 new clubs, directly or indirectly influencing 5,000 students. Support from Missouri Care will help jump-start new 4-H SNAC clubs with mini-grants to counties.

The funding will support supplies for advocacy projects, 4-H promotional items for youth members to create a sense of belonging, and provide 4-H leadership experiences for 4-H SNAC club members.

The gift has been awarded to the Missouri 4-H Foundation, the private resource partner of the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development.

More information about the 4-H SNAC program and other online and in-person 4-H programming is available in the Missouri 4-H Clover Catalog and on the Missouri 4-H website at 4h.missouri.edu.