Opportunity Gaps, Nutrition Programs and Covid-19
SESSION DESCRIPTION
Through this session, ISU Extension and Outreach looks to hold a discussion about implementing youth nutrition programs to reduce inequality related to social determinants of health (SDoH) when a global pandemic rages havoc on traditional solutions to reduce opportunity gaps and serve Iowa youth.
ACTION ITEMS
Discussions about barriers to access to food and nutrition resources and an opportunity to share ideas to overcome those barriers by collaborating with similar organizations
ABOUT THE ORGANIZER
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Polk County
ISU Extension and Outreach builds a strong Iowa by engaging all Iowans in research, education, and extension experiences to address current and emerging real-life challenges.
RESOURCES
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach implements a youth nutrition program titled "Kids in the Kitchen" as a way to reduce inequality related to social determinants of health (SDoH). Check out the Extension website for instructions and more at-home activities. When a global pandemic rages havoc on traditional solutions to reduce opportunity gaps and serve Iowa youth, the educators for the program stepped up and made some changes to better serve and reach the Iowa community.
For more info check out Spend Smart. Eat Smart
Read more about the Cedar Valley region here.
PANELISTS
Demi Johnson
Youth Nutrition Coordinator
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Polk County
Demi Johnson serves as a youth nutrition educator in Polk County Iowa. She primarily coordinates and teaches the program, Kids in the Kitchen, to youth in kindergarten thru 5th grade in central Iowa. Demi graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a master's degree in Community Health Education and a bachelor's degree in Psychology.
Sarah Tanis
Youth Nutrition & 4-H Outreach Coordinator
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Black Hawk County
Sarah Tanis works as a Youth Nutrition & 4-H Outreach Coordinator in Black Hawk County. Her main project in the youth nutrition role is teaching the research-based Iowa State University Kids in the Kitchen program to kindergarten through 5th grade youth. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Sarah had to adjust, get creative, and change how to serve youth as the typical after school programming was not an option.
Sarah graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a bachelor's degree in Service Management and two minors - Business Administration and Human Development and Family Studies. She went on to get her master's degree in Professional Leadership at North Central College. Sarah has worked in higher education in residence life and student life, and worked in/with non-profits organizations. She has a passion for programming and giving youth opportunities to try new things and step outside of their own element.