a model for a seamless nutrition education program for limited- resource individuals sondra m....
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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
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)
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