Mary Lou Kiel, PhD, RDN

Mary Lou serves as statewide nutrition specialist for Nutrition Links. She prepares program materials, trains nutrition education advisers (NEAs) and handles questions from participants. Nutrition education advisers (NEAs) provide research-based nutrition education to low-income audiences across the state. Nutrition Links educational programs help eligible individuals, seniors, families, and youth with limited resources enhance their nutrition, increase their physical activity and develop life skills needed for self-sufficiency and better health. The classes are provided at no cost to eligible participants at housing developments, food pantries, Career Links, and other human service agencies reaching the low-income audience. Youth programs are conducted in schools, after school settings, day camps and at summer feeding sites. Classes include hands-on activities and cooking demonstrations to enhance the learning process. The content promotes USDA's MyPlate and aligns with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. One of the main goals is to help participants better manage the resources available to them, such as SNAP benefits, the WIC food package, and items from local food pantries. As part of Penn State Extension Nutrition Links, Mary Lou is helping improve the quality of life for our most vulnerable citizens in Pennsylvania.