One of the overarching goals of the Tisch Food Center is to strengthen support for nutrition education through research and advocacy. Enabling and encouraging program implementers to share their incredible work with elected officials is one of the most effective ways to achieve this goal. These visits allow senators, representatives and other policymakers to connect with these programs and understand their worth beyond the one-dimensional statistics and impact statements.

During these nutrition education site visits, elected officials have a chance to see the faces of those participants directly benefiting from SNAP-Ed dollars; to engage with the community; to learn more about the impact and importance of nutrition education; and to participate in gardening activities, cooking demonstrations, etc. Likewise, program implementers have the opportunity to ask questions of their elected officials; share benefits of their programs and challenges they face; and learn what it means to advocate for their work.

For a summary of the Tisch Food Center's past visit with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to Tioga Elementary School and Capital Roots' Urban Grow Center, please see Here.

If you are interested in scheduling a site visit with your elected official, but are not sure how to go about it, please contact Callie Troutman at cat2179@tc.columbia.edu for assistance.