What is SNAP?

Healthy Schools, Healthy People, It’s a  SNAP is a grassroots, education-based effort to improve health by making hand cleaning an integral part of the school day. SNAP is designed to get the entire school community talking about clean hands by providing tools to create a community wide project for incorporating hand hygiene into multiple subject areas and activities.

Why is this program important?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services and The Soap and Detergent Association have recognized the dire need for young people to wash their hands to decrease the spread of illnesses and absenteeism in the classroom. Nearly 22 million school days are lost due to the common cold alone, not to mention other diseases that are caused by bacteria and viruses.

How can I get my school involved?

To learn more about the SNAP Program and how you can get involved, simply download the SNAP Toolkit at www.itsasnap.org OR request your free starter kit at here. Please include your name, address and the number of desired toolkits!

We enourage you to use our hand hygiene materials anytime. However, if you are interested in applying for national recognition you should be aware that the deadline to submit your entry is March 1. Our national award recipients receive an all expense paid trip for 3 to Washington, DC, a special celebration in their schools and much more! Additional details about the awards program can be found in the SNAP Toolkit!

How much does the toolkit cost?

It is FREE! All you have to do is download it at www.itsasnap.org OR order a hard copy via email to SNAP@cleaning101.com.

Who can participate?

The target audience is the middle school community. Teachers of all disciplines, students, school nurses and other health personnel, food service staff, custodial/maintenance staff, administrators and parents are also encouraged to participate.

How do I apply for national recognition?

Send complete school information (including name, class name and period, school name, and school address and additional contact information) and page summary report of class project, and supporting information such as photos, newspaper articles, flyers, posters, etc. to:

Healthy Schools, Healthy People
1500 K Street NW Suite 300
Washington DC, 20005
Fax: 202-347-4110

What is the deadline for national recognition?

The deadline for entry for national recognition is generally March 1.

How will the programs be evaluated for the national recognition?

Programs will be evaluated on originality, creativity, ability to replicate results, evidence of teamwork, and program impact. The programs must also follow the guidelines provided in the toolkit.

What are the awards for the national recognition?

The top recipients will receive national recognition and media attention. One top classroom will receive an all-expense paid trip for three people involved in the project to Washington, DC, where there they will be awarded at a special ceremony. The top classroom will also receive a special celebration for the entire class.

Two runner-up classrooms will each receive cash awards of $250 and an award plaque.

All participating classrooms who apply for national recognition will receive a certificate of recognition as well as special recognition on the Clean Hands Honor Roll on the SNAP website.

When will award recipients be contacted?

Award winners will be contacted in May.

Who developed the program?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Health and Human Services and The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA) worked in collaboration to develop the Healthy Schools, Healthy People It’s a SNAP Program.

The SDA is the non-profit trade association representing manufacturers of household, industrial, and institutional cleaning products; their ingredients; and finished packaging (for more information, visit the SDA website at www.cleaning101.com).

The CDC, Department of Health and Human Services is recognized as the lead federal agency for protecting the health and safety of people at home and abroad, providing credible information to enhance health decisions, and promoting health through strong partnerships (for more information, visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov).

Who do I contact if my questions have not been answered here?

Please email any additional questions to SNAP@cleaning101.com.