DECATUR, Ill. — Illinois Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Education Program (SNAP-Ed) partners with agencies, schools, and community organizations to provide SNAP-eligible families and individuals with obesity prevention and chronic disease reduction programming. In Macon County, approximately one in 11 people are food insecure, making SNAP-Ed programming an important community resource.

University of Illinois Extension serving DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt counties recently welcomed a new SNAP-Ed Educator, Alexa McCoy, MPH.

"Our unit is excited for Alexa to make connections and use her knowledge of the health care system to increase healthy eating and physical activity for our residents," says County Director Jamie Boas. "She's a great asset to our team."

McCoy comes to Extension with years of experience in healthcare administration and case and disease management. She believes her expertise in population health assessments, interventions, and chronic disease management will serve her well when educating and collaborating with future partners.

"I have always possessed a strong desire to work directly with a multitude of people within the community," says McCoy. "I look forward to bringing families more knowledge and awareness about the relationship between food and physical and mental health and  bridging the gap between Extension and future healthcare partners."

In 2022, Illinois Extension's SNAP-Ed program in Macon County partnered with eight elementary schools, four early childhood centers, and six community organizations to present two hundred and seventy-one nutrition education classes.

"I'm excited to bridge my healthcare background to the mission and values within the University of Illinois Extension program. I look forward to empowering and improving the lives and opportunities in Macon, Dewitt, and Piatt County."

McCoy is housed in the Macon County Extension office. She can be reached at ammccoy@illinois.edu or 217-877-6042.