My Balanced Plate Program

Free • SNAP-Ed Eligible Adults • Online

My Balanced Plate Program

A practical online nutrition program designed for adults. Learn the basics of healthy eating, build balanced meals, and practice realistic habits that support energy and overall health.

Quick facts

  • 15 online courses (self-paced)
  • Built for busy schedules
  • Includes food groups, hydration, activity, and healthy cooking
  • Incentives available after requirements are completed

Welcome to A Balanced Plate!

This program helps participants learn the basics of healthy eating by understanding what a balanced plate looks like.
Participants will learn how to build balanced meals, recognize portion sizes, and make healthier food choices.
The program also includes tips on staying active, drinking enough water, and choosing healthier snacks.
By the end of the program, participants will understand how to include a variety of foods in their meals and practice
healthy habits that support energy and overall health.

Personal information is collected only to confirm eligibility and provide incentives after program requirements are completed.
The information collected before and during the program helps measure how effective it is. Personal information will not be shared, and names will not be connected to scores.

Easy to follow

Short, adult-friendly lessons that focus on realistic choices (not perfection).

Practical skills

Portion guidance, label reading, healthier swaps, and simple meal planning.

Support + incentives

Participants can receive reinforcement items after program requirements are completed.

What’s included

The My Balanced Plate Program includes 15 online courses that participants complete at their own pace.
Topics include food groups, balanced meals, hydration, healthy snacks, grocery shopping, and cooking skills.

  • Understanding food groups and building balanced meals
  • Fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and protein basics
  • Reading nutrition labels
  • Hydration and healthier beverage choices
  • Meal planning and preparation
  • Smart grocery shopping
  • Healthy cooking techniques and sustainable habits
  • Physical activity and nutrition

My Balanced Plate courses overview (part 1)

My Balanced Plate courses overview (part 2)

My Balanced Plate courses overview (part 3)

Reinforcement Box (Mailed to Participants)

Participants who complete program requirements may receive a reinforcement box with helpful tools to support healthy habits at home.

Reinforcement kit including cooking tools and materials
Eat Smart Move More reinforcement bag and materials
Reinforcement kit items: Eat Smart Move More materials and tools
Reinforcement kit items including cooking and measurement tools

Examples of reinforcement items include: reusable bag, water bottle, meal planning materials, MyPlate resources,
measuring tools, prep/cooking tools, and other practical supports for healthy eating.

Enroll Now

Eligibility is confirmed through the enrollment step. Click below to get started.


Enroll in My Balanced Plate

Questions? Email: hlivorio@vt.edu

© Virginia Cooperative Extension – Family Nutrition Program