A Model for a Seamless Nutrition Education

Program for Limited-Resource Individuals

Sondra M. Parmer, M.S., Auburn University

Barbara Struempler, Ph.D., Auburn University

Peggy Gunter, M.S., Mississippi State University

Jim Ryan, MMIS, Auburn University

Society for Nutrition Education

July 2003

Alabama Cooperative Extension Nutrition Education Program

(ACENEP)

A New Beginning

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Why a Merger?

• Create a seamless Extension nutrition program for limited-resource audience

• Offer full-time employment status for all nutrition educators

• Distribute educational materials and resources evenly across both programs

Feasibility Assessment

• Email survey sent to EFNEP contacts on the USDA directory, 59 states and territories (42% response rate)

• Site visits to four states (Arkansas, Nebraska, South Carolina, Wyoming)

• Reviewed nutrition education plans from three states (North Carolina, Virginia, Florida)

Merger Plan for Alabama

• Discussion by state staff

• Creation of state ad hoc committee

• Development of sub-committees

• Approval of Extension Administrative Council

• Discussion with Extension County Coordinators

Merger Sub-committees

• Personnel

• Finance

• Reporting

• Marketing

• Curriculum

• Policy and Procedure

Pilot-testing at County Level

• Identified five counties

• Provided orientation training

• Determined county needs

• Implemented for six months

• Reported benefits and challenges

ACENEP Has Begun!

• Been in operation since October 1, 2002

• Anticipate continuing with merged program

Benefits of Merger

• Allowed more flexible employment opportunities and program options to nutrition educators

• Reduced inequity of educational resources• Reinforced county issue-based programming• Allowed two programs to be more

complementary and resist duplication

Challenges of Merger

• Determining staff workload and geographic location

• Communicating/Managing at the county level

• Combining EFNEP and NEP philosophies

• Providing additional training (procedure, curricula, match, evaluation)

Nutrition education at work...

Making positive change...

Satisfied customers...