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By Tana Shealey

ACES County Coordinator 

Special to The Lowndes Signal

There are two new team members serving Lowndes County for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES). Regional Extension Agent Kali Gilbert and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Agent Assistant Hannah Davenport will provide nutrition and health education programs in the county.

Gilbert is one of the newest members of the Human Nutrition, Diet and Health team. 

“I am incredibly passionate about public health and health equity,” Gilbert said. 

She will serve residents in nine central Alabama counties including Lowndes.

“Our programs are centered around health and nutrition that include focus areas in diabetes education, healthy eating patterns, vaping education for youth and adults, infant safe sleep practices, breastfeeding friendly childcare facility certification and general breastfeeding education,” Gilbert stated.

Davenport will also work with residents helping them find budget friendly ways to eat healthier. Theresa Mince, EFNEP coordinator, said Davenport will work with Lowndes and Butler County residents.

“EFNEP provides free, interactive lessons on how to eat healthy on a budget, how to prepare delicious, affordable meals at home, and how to be more active as a family. Bringing this education to Lowndes County will improve the health and well-being of the community,” Mince said.

One of the classes Davenport is most excited to teach focuses on future parents.

“Today’s Mom includes a focus on practical knowledge and skills parents-to-be can utilize to feed themselves and their growing families,” said Mince. “Each lesson incorporates information on appropriate physical activity, infant feeding, and setting and achieving goals. Educators build participant skills and knowledge related to healthy cooking through easy, affordable, and delicious recipes prepared at each lesson.”

For information on scheduling either Davenport or Gilbert to teach classes at your school, faith based, or social organization meetings, please contact the Lowndes County Alabama Cooperative Extension System Office at (334) 548-2315 or call Tana Shealey at (334) 419-5681.