UConn EFNEP

Meet Brenda Sanchez

Brenda SanchezBrenda Sanchez recently joined our team as an Outreach Nutrition Education Assistant with the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) in our Bethel office in Fairfield County. She joins us from experiences working in the medical field and with the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, where she spent 11 years as a peer counselor and certified lactation consultant.  

Many members of Brenda’s family are involved in medical and nutrition positions, and the role with Extension builds off her previous experiences as well. We sat down with Brenda to learn more about her background and role with Extension. 

What is your area of interest and how did you get interested in it? 

I like anything related to the medical field as well as working in the community. Working with the community gives me great satisfaction. Knowing I have helped and impacted their lives for the betterment of themselves and their families is just a great feeling.  

I got interested in these areas by seeing them modeled on in my family. I had fitting examples of love towards the community through many family members. I was also exposed to the medical field through family members since I was a kid, so I became passionate about it. 

What excites you the most about working with UConn Extension? 

Knowing I will help families and young people achieve better eating habits and make better lifestyle choices in their nutrition. I like to do service and work with the community and help them make better choices and feed their family.  

What is one thing you hope people will learn from you and your work? 

I hope I can help people embrace a lifestyle that they did not imagine was possible for themselves and their families, by choosing, preparing, and managing a variety of foods available in the market, I hope to offer choices that might seem doable even in a low-income budget or as a single mom raising her children. I’m also passionate about helping mothers and their children. 

One thing everyone should know about nutrition is to grab those resources that are out there for them and make the best possible nutrition and diet choices and enjoy it as a family. 

What advice do you have for parents with picky eaters? 

Modeling behavior is one thing that always works. I modeled in front of my own children, and they all eat everything. Parents I’ve worked with also have success with it. The more variety of foods you can include in a diet, the more benefits there are. Also, tell children about the benefits different foods have, it engages them. 

What is your favorite thing to do in Connecticut?  

Family time, all my family lives in Connecticut, I also enjoy the fresh air, the space and nature that Connecticut offers. 

What are some of your hobbies and other interests?  

I like to walk, read, and bake. I love to travel, try new foods, I love to learn about diverse cultures, their customs and beliefs. 

Meet Hannah Morillo-Galindo

Hannah Morillo-GalindoHannah Morillo-Galindo recently joined UConn Extension as an Educational Program Assistant for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program in our North Haven office. She is originally from Lexington, Kentucky and graduated in May 2023 with a degree in nutrition from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

She’s looking forward to connecting with the community and helping make nutrition and a healthy lifestyle more accessible. We sat down with her to learn more.

What is your area of interest and how did you get interested in it?

I was a biology/pre-med major, and realized I wanted to do something in health care and wellness, but I was not super-interested in the one-on-one healthcare field. I found public health and realized I could have an impact in this area.

What will your role be with UConn Extension?

I want to work in community nutrition and found this position as an Educational Program Assistant for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) in the North Haven office, and it’s exactly what I want to do.

What excites you the most about working with UConn Extension?

I’m excited about the opportunity to connect with people and share knowledge that’s accessible. I also enjoy collaborating with other Extension programs, for example, I’ve been working with our UConn 4-H program some.

What is one thing you hope people will learn from you and your work?

It’s easier to eat healthy and take care of yourself than it seems.

What is your favorite thing to do in Connecticut?

I went kayaking near East Haven the other weekend and it was fun!

What are some of your hobbies and other interests?

I enjoy reading, music, spending time outdoors, and painting.

Siete Consejos para Estirar Tu Presupuesto en Alimentos

Dianisi Torres, M.A., CHW   Nutrition Outreach Educator, UConn Extension

Read the article in English here.

man shopping in a grocery store aisle

¿Alguna vez se ha detenido en la línea del supermercado, mira su carrito de compras y se pregunta, cómo tan pocos artículos de alimentos cuestan tanto dinero? Es algo que pasa con frecuencia a pesar de que somos afortunados de que en Estados Unidos el costo de los alimentos sigue siendo significativamente más bajo que otras partes del mundo. Aun así, hay maneras de estirar su presupuesto y comer saludable.

  1. Toma Nota. Limpia tu refrigerador, el congelador y la lacena. Determina que tienes, que alimentos tienes que usar pronto y busca recetas que puedas hacer con ese alimento que esta ya a punto de dañarse o expirar. Toma nota de tu inventario de productos de alimentos frecuentemente y guarda todos los nuevos productos en la parte de atrás de tu lacena y los productos a punto de expirarse al frente para ser consumido pronto y así reducir la cantidad de alimentos que desechas en tu hogar.
  2. Escoge un supermercado y sea consistente. Visite el mismo supermercado en vez de estar dando vueltas a varios supermercados buscando el especial, así se ahorrará más dinero a la larga. Siempre empieza tu compra en los vegetales y frutas frescas según lo que este en temporada ya que es cuando mejor precio tienen. Si no está disponible fresco, entonces opta por los congelados o enlatados.
  3. Revisa los cupones y planifica. Almacena esenciales cuando estén en oferta y planifica tu menú de acuerdo a los alimentos en oferta para ahorrar dinero. UConn Extension’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) recomienda que planifiques tus comidas semanalmente, incluyendo tus meriendas. Usa MyPlate como guía para mantener tus comidas balanceadas y así mantener un nivel de nutrición adecuado.
  4. Compra al por mayor y has más prep de comidas. Compra una bolsa de zanahorias, pélalas y córtalas en pedacitos, así es más barato que comprar las zanahorias que ya vienen pequeñitas. Siempre mira al precio de unidad cuando estas comprando, esto ayuda mucha a ahorrar dinero. Has más preparación de comidas para la semana, con el tiempo te acostumbras y se hace cada vez más fácil. Experimenta con nuevas recetas saludables y diferentes métodos de cocción.
  5. Elige marcas del supermercado. Las marcas del supermercado usualmente son de igual calidad y más baratas. Trata las marcas del supermercado a ver si a ti y a tu familia les gusta, sino pues regresan a la marca original. Flexibilidad cuando compras también ayuda, tal vez una opción de proteína diferente o algún vegetal para incluir en una receta original.
  6. Compra por la temporada. Frutas y vegetales están en temporada cuando son comprados en el tiempo que fueron cosechados. El verano es excelente temporada para comprar cerezas, brócoli, guisantes, pimientos, maíz y otros favoritos. Connecticut tiene una temporada de cosecha corta, se recomienda comprar frutas y vegetales frescos en temporada y congelarlos para los meses del invierno.
  7. Evita los alimentos empacados. Comidas procesadas como papitas, sodas y comidas cocidas congeladas tienen menos valor nutritivo, son más alto en sodio y además son más caros. Mezcla agua con fresas en vez de comprar soda.  Remplaza las papitas por vegetales horneados y crujientes.  Enfócate en los 5 grupos de alimentos de MiPlato, usualmente los 5 grupos de alimentos se encuentran en los perímetros del supermercado- vegetales y frutas, lácteos, carbohidratos (pan), pescado y carnes.

Estirar tu presupuesto de alimentos no es tan difícil como parece. Busca por nuevas ideas de recetas que utilice proteínas derivadas de plantas, vegetales, frutas, huevos y carnes bajas en grasa.  Has un plan de comidas y mantenlo, guarda ideas para recetas futuras cuando tus alimentos favoritos estén en temporada.

Visitar el supermercado para hacer compra no debe de ser estresante y prep tus comidas puede ser divertido. Incluya a los niños y adolescentes en el proceso. Ellos estarán muy emocionados de probar nuevos alimentos cuando están involucrados en la toma de decisiones. Así estableces hábitos saludables en tu hogar que duraran toda una vida.

Utiliza estos consejos para estirar tu presupuesto en compra de alimentos y los resultados le cambiaran la vida a un más saludable junto a su familia.

Hungry or Full?

Waiting too long to eat between meals or overeating at meals can make you question whether or not you are hungry or full. Not drinking enough water  throughout the day can also contribute to feeling hungry.
 
We’ve put together 5 tips to help you recognize whether your body is telling you that it needs food or not. Check in with yourself during the day and ask, “Why am I hungry?” 
black text over mint green background and pictures of fruits and cereal

Questions About Feeding Your Family?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle may be difficulty when you are worried about the affordability of healthy foods and creating nutritious meals. UConn EFNEP, UConn Healthy Family CT, and SNAP-Ed are dedicated to helping you and your family achieve health goals. Scan the QR code to learn more or visit communitynutrition.cahnr.uconn.edu
community nutrition postcard in english community nutrition postcard in spanish

EFNEP Program Assistant (Educational Program Assistant 1), Educational outreach – Fairfield

Applications Closed

Search #: 497240
Work type: Full-time

Location: Fairfield County Extension Ctr

Categories: Academic Programs and Services

JOB SUMMARY

 

The UConn Fairfield County Extension Center located in Bethel, CT is seeking applications for a full-time Program Assistant, Education Outreach. The Program Assistant will be responsible for promoting and carrying out community-based nutrition, outreach, and youth development programs with limited resource families and youth in Fairfield County (in a designated geographic area). This position will provide community field work and administrative computer data entry assistance for the unit. The Program Assistant will work under the general supervision of the Fairfield County Extension Educator working with Community Nutrition. Evening and weekend hours will also be required based on program needs.

The College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources at the University of Connecticut provides for a global sustainable future through scientific discovery, innovation, and community engagement. Our accomplishments result in safe, sustainable, and secure plant and animal production systems, healthier individuals and communities, greater protection and conservation of our environment and natural resources, balanced growth of the economy, and resilient local and global communities. We epitomize the role of the land-grant university which is to develop knowledge and disseminate it through the three academic functions of teaching, research, and outreach education. In so doing, we work to improve the lives of citizens of our state, region, and country. At present, our workforce consists of 315 faculty and staff. We serve 2,406 undergraduate and graduate students. We invite applications from people who share the same vision of academic excellence and customer service.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Works with supervisor to plan, organize and implement regional program activities, which may include working irregular hours, including evenings and weekends. Recruits and teaches classes focused on nutrition, physical activity, food preparation, and food safety.   
  2. Collaborates with community agencies to establish partnerships.
  3. Under the direction of the supervisor, administers evaluation tools.
  4. Writes reports as directed.
  5. Serves as contact with the community and provides for informational needs such as publications, project program materials, and educational opportunities.
  6. Promotes community-based nutrition outreach and youth development programs through media and group presentations; recruits and provides educational opportunities for program members.
  7. May serve as project liaison to University offices/departments, public school officials, and community agencies.
  8. May assist supervisor to provide academic, personal, and financial advisement and to help maintain program caseload.
  9. Participates in staff meetings and in-service training, which may include evening and/or weekend hours.
  10. Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Four years of profession-based experience in community nutrition or related field; or Bachelor’s degree in a related field and up to one year of related experience; or Associate’s degree and two to three years of related experience.
  2. Demonstrated background in community health and wellness, which includes experience working with families and youth or other disciplines related to program needs.
  3. Strong evidence of interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
  4. Strong technology skills that include demonstrated use of Microsoft Office and experience with data entry.
  5. Demonstrated experience with social media outreach.
  6. Willingness and ability to work weekend and evening hours as needed.
  7. Willingness and ability to travel within Fairfield County for programming activities and related meetings.
  8. Must have available personal transportation and a valid driver’s license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Oral and written fluency in Spanish.
  2. Experience with teaching and/or public speaking.
  3. Experience establishing and maintaining community partnerships.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time position located at the Fairfield County Extension Center. This position is grant-funded and has an end-date that is subject to annual re-appointments contingent upon satisfactory performance and funding availability. The position will be based at the Fairfield County Extension Center, however regular travel within the region will be required. Occasional in-state travel to other UConn campuses, including Storrs, may be required in support of program needs. The University offers a competitive salary, commensurate with the successful candidate’s background and experience, outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #497240 to upload a resumecover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Screening of applications will begin immediately.   

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on March 23, 2023. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.

Advertised: Feb 21 2023 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Mar 23 2023 Eastern Daylight Time

Black History Month Series: Faith

Black background with green yellow and red stripes, the title "black history" and the words "black history month 2023: faith" A photo of Harriet Tubman and description of her assisting enslaved people to freedom

The theme for this week is Faith.

 

The Black church has been a foundation of faith and resistance, as well as a spiritual center, place of worship, cultural and social center. Churches and other faith organizations also provided a safe haven for enslaved people, such as:

👉🏾Physical safety

👉🏾Food and clothing

👉🏾Encouragement, hope and faith

👉🏾Teaching and learning

👉🏾Place for organization

👉🏾One of the many sites for “underground railroads”,  a secret network for routes to freedom.

 

Reference:

https://time.com/5939921/henry-lous-gates-american-history-black-church/ (accessed 2.5.23)

📷Credit: https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/harriet-tubman (accessed 2.8.23)

Feb/2023 Written and created by: U. R. Taylor, MS, RDN, CDN and Lindsey Brush

 

#BlackHistoryMonth #AskUConn #UConnEFNEP #UConnExtension

Deciding How Much to Make or Buy?

Save money and improve nutrition by deciding what to make and buy. Try buying in bulk, doubling recipes, using leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch/dinner or freezing leftovers for future meals!
 
Ahorre dinero   y mejore la nutrición al decidir qué hacer y comprar. Intente comprar al por mayor, duplicando recetas, usando las sobras para el almuerzo/cena de mañana o congelando las sobras para futuras comidas!

colorful measuring spoons and white textcolorful measuring spoons and white text

What’s Your Move?

It’s #MoveItMonday! Did you know adults need about 150 minutes of physical activity per week?  You may be wondering, “What counts as physical activity?” Here are a few tips that can help you make every movement count! Learn more about how to get moving, even if you are strapped for time!  Start with small, realistic goals that will set you up for success! Take a look below! 

Graphic credit: Materials for Adults | health.gov

flyer with woman running, physical activity icons, and textflyer with pictures of people exercising, activity icons, and textflyer with woman running, physical activity icons, and textflyer with pictures of people exercising, activity icons, and text

Focus on Nutritious Low-Cost Foods

It’s #ThoughtfulThursday! Cook more, eat out less! Here are three tips to help you and your family eat right on a budget. Tag a friend who needs to hear👂 this!
 
¡Cocine más en casa, coma menos en restaurantes! Aquí presentamos tres consejos que le ayudarán a usted y a su familia a comer bien dentro de un presupuesto. ¡Etiqueta a un amigo que necesite escuchar esto!
 

graphic of shopping bag calculator and produce with black text on a blue backgroundgraphic of shopping bag calculator and produce with black text on a blue background