Nutrition education conference set

The virtual 1890s Multi-State Community Nutrition Education Conference is set for May 17-18, according to Teresa Henson, Extension specialist-program outreach coordinator for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

The event will be jointly hosted by UAPB, Tennessee State University, Alabama A&M University, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

Henson said the purpose of the conference is to pool resources related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) at the four 1890 land-grant universities. The overall mission is to build nutrition security and partnerships in communities.

“The event is a chance to network with community partners and other SNAP-Ed and EFNEP educators as we work together in increasing food access and resources across communities,” she said. “Much of the agenda will focus on food justice, food banks, nutrition education, policy, systems and environmental changes (PSE) work.”

The conference is open to the public. Henson said the conference is an opportunity for those who work in community outreach, public health, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and in other areas of the community health sector.

“The conference also presents an opportunity for the public to learn how land-grant universities empower communities through Extension,” she said. “Each of the 1890 historically Black land-grant universities taking part in this conference use Extension programs to strengthen local communities. The SNAP-Ed and EFNEP programs, for example, teach citizens how to make positive and long-lasting changes related to nutrition, cooking and physical activity.”

To register, visit www.multi-stateconference.com. During the online registration process, participants are required to make a minimum donation of $10 to the First Ward Living Grace Food Pantry at Pine Bluff. Details: hensont@uapb.edu or http://www.facebook.com/1890SNAPEd.