Marcia Cruse is an Extension SNAP-Ed Program Coordinator through the Illinois Nutrition Education Programs (INEP) for the counties of Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside. SNAP-Ed evidence-based programs focus on nutrition education and obesity prevention by promoting behavior change.  Cruse works with eligible families to provide basic nutrition, food safety, physical activity, and food budgeting education for low-income individuals.  SNAP-Ed programming provides educational services, information, and skills that empower families to make positive changes for their health. She utilizes the Nutrition Environment Food Pantry Assessment Tool (NEFPAT) when working with food pantries to implement best practices on obesity prevention. Cruse has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and is certified in basic nutrition education through University of Illinois Extension and Utah State University Extension.  Cruse joined University of Illinois Extension in November 2000, and in 2018 received the Interdisciplinary Unit Team Excellence award from University of Illinois Extension.