Justin Miller
Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Katie Funderburk has been selected as the next assistant director of Federal Nutrition Programs for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Under Funderburk’s leadership, the Extension System looks to a bright future in expanding nutrition and physical activity opportunities for Alabamians.
“I believe Alabamians have a right to live healthy, active lives filled with opportunity and hope,” Funderburk said. “I am pleased to lead the Federal Nutrition Program because it is uniquely positioned to help realize this vision. We have an incredible team of Extension professionals and partners across Alabama who are committed to serving residents and making a positive difference in their communities.”
Effective Leader
Funderburk began his role as assistant director May 27. Previously, he served as Alabama Extension’s nutrition specialist and as coordinator of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) team. As assistant director, Funderburk will oversee the development and implementation of education programs and community engagement opportunities related to Extension’s three federal nutrition programs, including the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), SNAP-Ed, and Thriving Communities.
“I am committed to fostering an environment where our team can grow, our programs can make a positive difference, and our communities can be empowered to build a healthier, more vibrant future for all Alabamians,” Funderburk said.
Alabama Department of Education Commissioner Mike Phillips said Funderburk’s previous experience prepares her to be an effective leader in the role.
“Dr. Funderburk has exceptional knowledge of human nutrition and dietetics and is a proven leader and communicator,” Phillips said. “From managing multi-million dollar grants to working with educators, I am confident Katie has what it takes to successfully lead these programs that work with diverse clients to address important health-related topics.”
Program Overview
Alabama Extension’s three federal nutrition programs all focus on health and nutrition, but each has its own objectives for serving residents, and Funderburk said the programs have a wide variety of projects focused on improving health at all levels of society.
“Our program has a state leadership team made up of experts in nutrition, exercise science, public health, education and active transportation,” Funderburk says, “as well as county extension teams that implement evidence-based programs and approaches to improve individual and community health.”
EFNEP and SNAP-Ed
EFNEP provides nutrition education to adults, resource-limited adolescents, pregnant women, and teens. The evidence-based education component of the program focuses on developing healthy habits to improve long-term health outcomes. Educators also work to help participants save money while improving their nutrition and exercise habits.
SNAP-Ed provides nutrition and physical activity education to youth and adults, and the program also works with partners to increase access to healthy eating and physical activity, especially in communities with limited resources.
These programs have a statewide network of educators who implement evidence-based interventions and drive change at the local level. SNAP-Ed also has local agents who make healthy choices more accessible through community-based policy, systems, and environmental change.
Vibrant Community
Thriving Communities is focused on making healthy eating and active living more accessible and affordable in Alabama counties. Extension teams collaborate with local partners on community-driven projects to effect policy, systems, and environmental change. This is accomplished through three core strategies:
- Improving access to healthy foods
- Improved walking and cycling networks will strengthen connections between residents
- Improving the quality of early childhood care and education programs
Looking to the future
Funderburk believes that every day is a new and exciting learning and growth opportunity for her team. As Assistant Director, she is focused on fostering collaboration and innovation to deliver programs that further improve the lives of Alabama residents.
“Our work aligns perfectly with Extension’s mission to transform people’s lives through science-based information, practical solutions and meaningful experiences,” Funderburk said. “We will continue to develop evidence-based initiatives that improve the quality of life for Alabamians.”
For more information about these programs, Click here for details and AlabamaFor more information, contact your county Extension office. www.aces.edu/directory.
