Center for Applied Science in Health and Aging News

Bingocize®, a health promotion program that combines exercise, health education, and bingo, was recently reviewed by three experts who determined the program should be included in the SNAP Education (SNAP-Ed) Toolkit as an evidence-based intervention.

SNAP-Ed is the nutrition education and obesity prevention component of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is administered nationwide by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Its goal is to improve the likelihood that persons eligible for SNAP will make nutritious food choices within a limited budget and choose physically active lifestyles consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the USDA food guidance.

The Bingocize® program was created in 2011 by Dr. Jason Crandall, Director of the WKU Center for Applied Science in Health & Aging (CASHA) and Associate Professor of Exercise Science. 

Dr. Crandall and the CASHA team are excited about the recent approval and what it means for Bingocize® and WKU.  “Because the program was already approved by the National Council on Aging as a falls prevention program, Bingocize® has spread to over 20 states and four foreign countries. With SNAP-Ed approval, the program will grow even faster now, which is exciting,” said CASHA Manager Kristeen Owens.

Bingocize® also is excited to announce its new partnership with Fresh Baby to supply the nutrition education products that will be used as prizes for Bingocize® participants.

The continued growth of Bingocize® provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students at WKU to get hands-on research experience with CASHA, as well as gain first-hand knowledge of the interworking of a business like Bingocize®, both of which are unique and invaluable experiences for students who are learning to be professionals and will enter the workforce in the future.

Contact: Kristeen Owens, kristeen.tice-owens@wku.edu