Article by Stacey Stearns Contact Valerie Duffy, PhD, RD valerie.duffy@uconn.edu alliedhealth.uconn.edu the third funding source, and glue that connects all of the projects. The SNAP-Ed program has built a foundation in com- munities throughout central Connecticut and developed strong partnerships over many years of collaboration. In turn, these partnerships allow the team to identify community needs with input from audi- ences served and program partners. “We make lessons applicable to our audiences’ lives,” says Tina Dugdale, MS, RD/RN. “It’s possible to eat healthy foods like fruits and vegetables in recommended serving sizes.” The SNAP-Ed program engages undergraduate and graduate students in Allied Health Sciences—espe- cially those in the Dietetics Coordinated Undergraduate Program and Internship— who work in a variety of communities in Connecticut to deliver nutrition educa- tion and carry out service and outreach projects. All three of the projects offer communi- cation and outreach that is culturally rel- evant and customized to the populations served. Materials and classes are offered in English and Spanish. Survey research will identify the key gaps in behavior, and further influence the communication cam- paigns. The goal-connecting all projects is to improve dietary quality and energy bal- ance in families of economic disadvantage. “Many people are banded together throughout the state putting forth efforts to help people with their hardships,” Dugdale concludes. “It’s a satisfying victory when we see our participants make small changes that contribute to the improvement of their health and nutrition.” 1 Poulin, S. M. & Peng, J. (2018). Connecticut Childhood Obesity Report, 2018. Hartford, CT: Connecticut Department of Public Health. 2018 HIGHLIGHTS OF EXTENSION 15 HE