A Model for a Seamless Nutrition Education Program for Limited-Resource Individuals

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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

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Alabama Cooperative Extension Nutrition Education
Program (ACENEP)A New Beginning
A C E N E P
E F N E P
N E P
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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

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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)

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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

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Merger Sub-committees

• Personnel
• Finance
• Reporting
• Marketing
• Curriculum
• Policy and Procedure

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Pilot-testing at County Level

• Identified five counties
• Provided orientation training
• Determined county needs
• Implemented for six months
• Reported benefits and challenges

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ACENEP Has Begun!

• Been in operation since October 1, 2002
• Anticipate continuing with merged program

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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

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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)

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Nutrition education at work...
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Making positive change...
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Satisfied customers...