If you add in widespread problems of obesity and inactivity, then you ve got a huge need in New Mexico for nutrition education to improve people s diets and create more healthy lifestyles. In New Mexico, the program s positive impact encouraged Extension to expand its reach to most counties in the state during the 1970s. Despite the program s contraction, the need for nutrition education remained as strong as ever, so Extension directors in most states began searching for alternative funding, says Kari Bachman, program coordinator for nutrition education in New Mexico. By the early 1990s, many states began tapping into federal food stamp funds, since that program provides assistance for educational initiatives if states choose to apply. Nutrition classes are now available to low-income families and individuals in 28 of the state s 33 counties, plus the Zuni reservation.
Individual consultation is generally limited to families or clients who have special needs.
Now we concentrate much more on working with groups. It gives us a lot more bang for the buck. Moreover, Extension home economists now have local assistants in each county to help with the program. Dozens of specially trained, paraprofessional nutrition educators are scattered throughout the state to work with eligible families and individuals. Currently, there are about 55 educators who work 30 hours per week.