Sarah Swaar joins University of Illinois Extension in Logan County as its new SNAP-Ed

Community Worker. In this position, Sarah supports the implementation of the University of Illinois Extension Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Education Program (SNAP-Ed). Sarah will work with local residents (adults and youth) eligible for SNAP-Ed programming to provide basic nutrition, food safety, physical activity, and food budgeting education for low-income individuals. The intent of this program is to work in collaboration with SNAP eligible families to provide educational services, information and skills that empower families to make positive changes for their health.

When asked why she was attracted to this position Swaar said, “My main goal is to help empower and educate others to live a healthy and most of all a happy life.  I have always tried to live up to this, but understand how overwhelming it can be. It is my goal is to make learning about healthy choices as easy and fun as possible. I’m excited to help and empower everyone to live a healthy and happy life.”

Swaar attended Illinois Central College and started her career teaching after-school programming in East Peoria. She is also a trained esthetician where she educated people of all ages about proper dermatologic care and the importance of preventative measures in maintaining good health.

Swaar has completed extensive training with University of Illinois Family and Consumer Sciences program and is available to offer health related programming to area schools, food pantries, and other agencies or organizations identified for SNAP-Ed programming. She encourages those interested in nutrition and healthful living educational programming to reach out to her at the Logan County Extension office 217-732-8289, or via email at sswaar@illinois.edu.