Volunteer educators help spread UC nutrition knowledge

Betsy Knapp, a former social worker, always knew that she loved helping people. But the experience of becoming a UC CalFresh Master Education Extender revealed her passion for nutrition education.

The Master Education Extender Team (MEET) was designed to recruit volunteers in the community and train them to extend UC CalFresh family-centered nutrition education in the community. 

MEET is growing rapidly. Just nine months old, MEET has six active extenders who have delivered nutrition education based on USDA's MyPlate guidelines at various targeted community events and within Fresno Unified School District schools.

We have received a great response from interested community members whose backgrounds vary from pre-med students to UC CalFresh nutrition education series graduates. Fifteen new extender trainees are registered for our next quarterly orientation.

Betsy is now working for an endocrinologist and encouraging patients to eat healthy and to incorporate physical activity in their everyday lives.

 “I believe that had I not volunteered with MEET, I never would have found this great job doing exactly what I love and was trained to do," Betsy said. "I don’t think people realize that MEET is a great opportunity for professional development. This program is needed in our community.”

To learn more about MEET or to complete an application to participate in the program, visit our website.

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