UW Nutrition Program Earns National Recognition

A University of Wyoming nutrition program has earned national recognition as part of a multi-state effort to combat food insecurity. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the details.

The Cent$ible Nutrition Program through the University of Wyoming Extension recently earned national recognition for its efforts to connect people facing food insecurity with local produce.  In collaboration with USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education programs in eight other states, CNP has contributed to the Growing Together Multi-State Collaboration. The group’s mission is to improve access to healthy food and provide nutrition and garden education to people experiencing food insecurity.

According to the UW Extension, over the past three years, Growing Together has collectively donated more than 600,000 pounds of food, equivalent to 1.8 million servings of fruits and vegetables, to 878 food distribution sites serving 375,000 clients. 

In recognition of these efforts, the multi-state team received the 2023 National Excellence in Extension Team award from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. CNP educators based in county extension offices across Wyoming helped weigh and distribute food at the county level, working with local food pantries, community gardens and other anti-hunger organizations. They also led cooking demonstrations and distributed recipes, food preparation tips and food safety guidelines. The collaboration is ongoing, and has continued to gain momentum as more states join the initiative and existing programs expand.