Nutrition Educator in St. Clair County, Alabama
“I am in my sixth year as a SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator serving St. Clair County, Alabama. I provide 8 weeks of nutrition education in eligible schools who want to provide this as part of their school curriculum. The students learn about making healthy choices, the importance of drinking water and how being physically active impacts their overall health. The teachers are very excited for this opportunity which also has a parent component, ultimately reaching the entire family.
I deliver nutrition ed in series programming at the local Boys and Girls Club in their Summer and Spring Break Sessions. In 2020, I started a garden effort at the facility which is an integral part of the nutrition classes in which they participate. The children learn where the food they eat comes from and lifelong lessons in growing their own food.
I have library partners who have received Book Walks through mini grants provided by this program to encourage movement while reading at local schools and parks
One very successful program I have implemented which is in its fourth year is the Veggie Bucks voucher program at our local Farmer’s Market. Children ages 5-12 learn about, and often taste, the foods at the market and receive A $3 voucher to choose fruits and vegetables from the produce vendors each week.
I believe the SNAP-Ed network of educators and community partners, which has taken time to become established, is an integral part of our local communities in Alabama. It should be allowed to continue to grow and make a meaningful impact on our communities. The dismantling of this important network of educators, schools and other community partners would take years to rebuild.“