Nutrition Education Makes Virtual Leap

JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK (May 26, 2020) -- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s EFNEP Program is excited to announce nutrition programming is now available online. Heather Gregory, in conjunction with Cattaraugus County Nutrition Educator Gayle Patterson, worked to achieve approval from Cornell University to provide nutrition education through Facebook Live videos shared in private groups set up in Facebook. The onset of New York State on PAUSE compelled Cornell to allow the utilization of the video conference platform Zoom for teaching individual sessions.

Nutrition staff in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus County spent months preparing to teach remotely. Nutrition staff at Cornell University viewed and approved an initial round of test sessions before granting permission for participants to view the series. The EFNEP program teaches participants to eat more healthfully, save money on groceries, meal planning and food safety. Anyone who is taking care of children and eligible for SNAP, HEAP, WIC and other assistance programs is qualified for this service at no cost.

Each county has created a Facebook page where anyone can connect and gain nutrition information and free healthy recipes. The page makes it easy for people to connect with staff, learn about the program, and take advantage of the new digital offerings.

The EFNEP Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua). CCE-Chautauqua is a subordinate governmental agency with an educational mission that operates under a form of organization and administration approved by Cornell University as agent for the State of New York. It is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The association is part of the national cooperative extension system, an educational partnership between County, State, and Federal governments. As New York’s land grant university Cornell administers the system in this state. Each Cornell Cooperative Extension association is an independent employer that is governed by an elected Board of Directors with general oversight from Cornell. All associations work to meet the needs of the counties in which they are located as well as state and national goals. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Last updated May 26, 2020