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Penn State Extension Nutrition Links
“Cooperative Extension's Statewide Nutrition Education Program for Low-income Audiences”

Nutrition Links oversees the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Pennsylvania Nutrition Education Tracks (TRACKS) for Penn State Cooperative Extension.  With the combination of these two federal programs Nutrition Links is able to provide nutrition education across the lifespan to low-income audiences. Nutrition Links does not supply free food or food stamps, but offers educational activities that develop the knowledge and skills needed to achieve a healthful diet on a limited budget. Our goal is to help low income audiences use the resources available to them in the most healthful and economical ways possible.

Nutrition Links’ adult/senior programming covers food preparation, meal planning, food storage and sanitation, shopping skills, nutrition for family members and maintaining a healthy weight. Classes are taught in small groups and often as part of a series. We work with local agencies to recruit the target audience, and we conduct programming in locations that are convenient for the participants, including senior centers, housing developments, food pantries and other community locations.

Nutrition Links also facilitates school-age programming. Youth programs are conducted in schools and after-school programs during the school year, as well as in summer programs. Paraprofessional staff lead programs on food preparation, food safety, snack choices, nutrition and health and fitness. Whenever possible, children taste-test fruits and vegetables so they have the opportunity to try new food items or preparation methods.

Pre-school programming is conducted primarily in Head Start classrooms and centers and focuses on teaching children about the variety of fruits and vegetables and providing opportunities for tasting new foods.

Elise Gurgevich, PhD, MPH, CHES
State Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension
208 Special Services Building
University Park, PA 16802

Phone: 814-863-3447
Fax: 814-863-6426
eliseg@psu.edu

Questions or problems with this site? Email healthhd@psu.edu.

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Privacy and Legal Statements | ©2009 The Pennsylvania State University

Funded by the PA Department of Public Welfare (DPW) through the PA Nutrition Education TRACKS, an entity of The Pennsylvania State University’s College of Health and Human Development, as part of USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP provides nutrition assistance to people with low income. It can help you buy nutritious foods for a better diet. To find out more, contact DPWÕs toll-free Helpline at 800-692-7462.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, age, disability, political beliefs, or retaliation. If you require this information in alternative format (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.), contact the USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (Voice or TDD). If you require information about this program, activity or facility in a language other than English, contact the USDA agency responsible for the program or activity, or any USDA office.

To file a complaint alleging discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call, toll free, (866) 632-9992 (Voice). People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339 (English) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.