Spring Greens and Healthy Wraps: SNAP-Ed in Action
Adapted from summary contributed by: Christine Dentremont, Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator
This spring, we've had the opportunity to order fresh spinach from our local FarmDrop, a community-based online farmers market. We’ve been enjoying a flat-leaf variety that is both tender and flavorful. Spinach is a versatile green that’s easy to add to many recipes thanks to its mild taste and soft texture—it’s a great way to add nutrients and color to any dish.
As part of my new role as a Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator in Hancock County, I’ve had the exciting opportunity to shadow and learn from my knowledgeable colleagues in both Hancock and Washington counties. These experiences are helping me build skills and confidence as I work alongside our local communities to support healthy, affordable eating.
Recently, during a SNAP-Ed nutrition education class in Machias, participants prepared a simple, healthy, and delicious vegetable wrap using whole foods and affordable ingredients. We used round whole wheat tortillas as the base, spread them with pesto-flavored hummus, and layered them with fresh spinach, thinly sliced cucumbers, red bell peppers, and shredded carrots. Some students used a vegetable peeler to create long, ribbon-like carrot strips. Once rolled up, the hummus helped hold the colorful veggies in place, making a beautiful and tasty wrap.
For many, including myself, it was the first time trying pesto hummus—and it was a delicious surprise! The flavor paired perfectly with the crunchy vegetables, and the finished wraps were not only eye-catching, but also packed with fiber, vitamins, and flavor.
This hands-on activity is a great example of how the Maine SNAP-Ed program supports healthier communities by helping people learn to shop for and prepare nutritious meals on a limited budget. Maine SNAP-Ed is part of a national USDA initiative that aims to improve food security, increase access to healthy foods, and encourage lifelong healthy eating habits. The program offers free, evidence-based nutrition education and cooking classes to eligible Mainers in community settings like schools, food pantries, and housing communities.
These simple vegetable wraps are just one way participants learn how to make balanced, satisfying meals with ingredients that are affordable and easy to find. If you’d like to try making this at home or share the recipe with your family, you can watch a short video demonstration here: Home Run Hummus Wrap Recipe
Whether it’s trying a new vegetable, experimenting with a different flavor of hummus, or learning a new skill like using a vegetable peeler, SNAP-Ed helps make healthy eating fun, approachable, and achievable—and I’m thrilled to be part of this work.
About Maine SNAP-Ed
Maine SNAP-Ed is a program designed to help eligible Maine families shop, cook, and eat healthy foods on a budget. Funded by the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the program offers hands-on nutrition education through classes in schools, community centers, healthcare settings, and food pantries across the state.
Maine SNAP-Ed works toward these key goals:
Improving access to nutritious food—especially fruits and vegetables—by partnering with local producers and community programs like FarmDrop.
Helping people develop lifelong healthy eating habits, with an emphasis on simple, affordable meals that are easy to prepare.
Reducing the risk of chronic disease through nutrition education and lifestyle support.
These goals align with the federal SNAP-Ed mission to empower individuals and families to make healthier food and lifestyle choices, ultimately contributing to stronger, healthier communities.
By highlighting local ingredients and encouraging creativity in the kitchen, programs like these support both individual health and community wellbeing. Whether you’re a beginner cook or looking for fresh inspiration, SNAP-Ed is here to help you build confidence, learn new skills, and enjoy the benefits of healthy eating—one delicious bite at a time.
Healthy Acadia’s Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educators offer year-round cooking and nutrition classes in partnership with schools and organizations throughout Hancock and Washington counties. To learn more or schedule a class, contact Shannon (shannon.cherry@healthyacadia.org) or Andrea (andrea.coffin@healthyacadia.org) in Washington County, or Amy (amy.russell@healthyacadia.org) or Christine (christine.dentremont@healthyacadia.org) in Hancock County.