On Tuesday, June 4th, 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the 55th anniversary of EFNEP – the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program of Cornell University Cooperative Extension – NYC. The event took place at the East Harlem Bilingual Head Start, a vibrant community hub. The anniversary celebration was a heartwarming experience, filled with stories and anecdotes from directors, educators, partners, and participants about the program’s impact over the years. It was inspiring to hear how EFNEP has profoundly touched the lives of generations of families, helping communities thrive through education on healthy food and nutrition.
What began as a grassroots effort of knocking on doors to teach caregivers and homemakers about healthy food has evolved into comprehensive classes and workshops held in various community centers and schools. Some participants have even become educators in the program, driven by the significant impact it had on their lives. This transformation is a testament to the program’s effectiveness and the dedication of those involved.
At first, I didn’t notice the connection between IPM (Integrated Pest Management) and this remarkable program. But then, as I listened to the stories of community transformation, I realized how closely related our goals are. Both programs aim to empower communities with knowledge and practical skills to improve their living conditions and promote health. While EFNEP focuses on nutrition and healthy food programming, my IPM-related project seeks to educate Spanish-speaking audiences on how to manage pest problems in environmentally friendly ways. Both initiatives strive to create healthier, more sustainable environments for communities to live, work, learn, and play in.
For the rest of the week, I traveled back to Ithaca for the 2024 Reunion Weekend to celebrate my mom’s 30th reunion! One highlight of the weekend was attending the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research (BCTR) open house at Martha Van Rensselaer (MVR) Hall. There, I had the pleasure of meeting with Jennifer Tiffany, Director of Outreach and Community Engagement for the BCTR and Executive Director of CUCE–NYC. Meeting with Jennifer and other scholars, colleagues, and professionals at the BCTR open house was truly inspiring. It was an excellent opportunity to learn about their work and discuss potential collaborations and shared goals.
This week was filled with learning, connections, and celebrations – reinforcing the importance of community engagement and education in creating positive change.