PARTNERS
Pennsylvania Nutrition Education Network (PA NEN)
As an external project of PA Nutrition Education Tracks, the PA NEN serves the broader program by providing a statewide forum to foster collaboration, best practices, research, and professional development among individuals who provide science-based nutrition education to Food Stamp eligible households. It also interacts with the general public to raise awareness and improve understanding of the challenges faced by low-income households trying to eat healthily on a limited income.
The PA NEN is a member-based organization. Involved individuals and organizations represented in the PA NEN include nutrition educators, food industry representatives, researchers, state agency representatives, and others interested in food and nutrition issues related to low-income Pennsylvanians.
The PA NEN is involved in a number of initiatives that engage member partners and enhance local nutrition education efforts throughout the Commonwealth.
- Coordination of nutrition education efforts in county assistance offices (CAOs) and food pantries, including nutrition information pamphlets (On the Table booklet) in CAOs and healthy eating DVDs with recipe cards in CAOs and pantries
- Development of a social marketing campaign in CAOs and food pantries
- Coordination of Pennsylvania’s State Nutrition Action Plan, which includes the assembling and posting of Vegetable-of-the-Month materials on the PA NEN’s website
- Regional workshops for paraprofessionals providing nutrition education, with the goal of enhancing curricula delivery
- Nutrition workshops (through collaboration with local agencies) targeted to grassroots providers to promote opportunities and materials available through the PA NEN
- Promotional and educational activities in low-income schools to promote participation in school breakfast through partnership with the Dairy Council
- Development of a feasibility study examining the possibility of working with grocery stores to increase fruits and vegetable purchases by food stamp households through cash register coupons and nutrition messages
- Opportunities for professional development through the PA NEN member listserv, web-based newsletter, the PA NEN website and annual conference. The PA NEN also developed a database and mapping system to be a clearinghouse of nutrition education in the State of Pennsylvania.
Steve Gauvry
Network Promoter
208 N Third St.
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: 717-233-1791
Fax: 717-231-4085
panen@pahunger.org