Healthy Eating and Active Living are a SNAP with Mobile Technology

About the Program

Category: Information Technology (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

Mobilizing health with the Maricopa Healthy mobile app makes eating healthy and active living a SNAP. The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH), through support from the Arizona Nutrition Network and the United States Department of Agriculture, developed a mobile app focused specifically on increasing healthy eating and active living among the SNAP-eligible population within Maricopa County. In support of on-going policy, environmental, and system change efforts, the County launched an initiative to address access and awareness. The goal is to use modern technology to increase awareness and access to free and low-cost healthy eating and active living opportunities. The Maricopa Healthy mobile app includes various features including maps and lists to farmer’s markets; parks and recreation; and healthy, low-cost recipes. It incorporates information about the acceptance of SNAP/WIC benefits at farmer’s markets as well as links to public transit and bike routes. The app was developed with input from focus groups consisting of SNAP-participants. Four focus groups were conducted – two with English and two with Spanish speaking residents. Initial launch of the app occurred in March 2016 resulting in over 2500 downloads. Analytics demonstrates that there is a high sustained use of the app by visitors. Due to some staffing changes, the County experienced an unexpected challenge with sustaining an effective marketing campaign over the last year; however, new momentum in this area has launched a new print and digital campaign effort. MCDPH will continue to evaluate the success of the initiative and engage with the SNAP-eligible population to improve its effectiveness and impact.