Community nutrition is something that Frantasia Russell has always been interested in. This interest is highlighted through her role with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). Frantasia found her calling as an EFNEP educator in Alabama and helps families in Russell County discover better food on a tight budget.
For more than 50 years, EFNEP has been an integral part of Alabama Extension. The program empowers individuals with limited resources to improve their health by making better choices. There are four different EFNEP curricula, and each of them emphasize different aspects of life. Teen Cuisine is for fifth through twelfth-grade students. Today’s Mom is for expecting mothers. Eating Smart, Being Active focuses on the family aspect of health, as does the Families Eating Smart, Moving More curriculum. Frantasia has been with Extension for two years. She said building relationships in the community where she lives and works has been so rewarding.
“Through my programming, I am able to reach every member of a family. I am able to do home visits for participants who need them, but I also partner with churches, exercise classes, school groups, and many others. Community nutrition is a rewarding job. Helping even one person make meaningful change in their life is worth it.” — Frantasia Russell
Frantasia’s work with Teen Cuisine and EFNEP is just one of the many ways to discover better foods. Whether it is handling and preparing food safely or budgeting for groceries, an Alabama Extension educator in your area is working to find practical solutions, provide opportunities, and empower people. Discover more at www.aces.edu/discover.
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