Macy Helm

Nutrition Education Programs Sr. Coordinator

Office: (702) 257-5592
Email: mhelm@unr.edu
Address: 8050 Paradise Road, Suite 100, Las Vegas, Nevada 89123
Representing: Clark County - Las Vegas, Nevada
Download Electronic Business Card OR vCard

Education

B.A. University of Chicago, 2017; B.S. University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 2022
Ph.D. University of Nevada, Las Vegas, expected 2027

Programs

Piggy savings bank balancing on a cart full of groceries.

Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

Our program participants learn how to read food labels, save money on groceries, plan meals, handle food safely, make healthy food choices and be more active.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education - Programming by UNR Extension

Improve the nutritional well-being of people who receive SNAP benefits and other Nevadans with a low income through community based education, programs and needs assessments.

News & Journal Articles, Fact Sheets, Reports...

Fact Sheets
Added Sugars - Nutrition information for older adults Added sugars are not the same as naturally occurring sugars in fruits and milk. Diets high in added sugars may lead to an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes and excess weight gain. Lindsay, A. and Helm, M. 2025, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-25-04-11
Choosing Healthy Options 1 - Nutrition information for older adults Healthy choices can be made both at home and at restaurants. Where you eat isn’t as important as what you eat. Lindsay, A. and Helm, M. 2025, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-25-04-14
Choosing Healthy Options 2 - Nutrition information for older adults Cooking at home allows you to make a more nutritious plate. Lindsay, A. and Helm, M. 2025, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-25-04-15
Dairy - Nutrition information for older adults Dairy is an important part of our diet and is high in both calcium and vitamin D. Aim for at least three servings of dairy a day. Choose lower-fat options for less calories and higher-fat options for more calories or energy. Lindsay, A. and Helm, M. 2025, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-25-04-10
Fiber - Nutrition information for older adults Eat whole foods for fiber. Fiber is found in fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. It helps the body eliminate waste better, lowers cholesterol and keeps you feeling full longer. Lindsay, A. and Helm, M. 2025, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-25-04-9
Food Management 2 - Nutrition information for older adults Double your food and half your dollar! Save time and money at home. Lindsay, A. and Helm, M. 2025, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-25-04-17
Food Resource Management 1 - Nutrition information for older adults Stretch your grocery budget! Using coupons, choosing generic and using a shopping list can save money at the grocery store. Lindsay, A. and Helm, M. 2025, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-25-04-16
Food Safety 1 - Nutrition information for older adults Safe food is food free of harmful bacteria, viruses or contaminants that can make you sick. Lindsay, A. and Helm, M. 2025, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-25-04-12
Food Safety 2 - Nutrition information for older adults Storing, preparing and cooking foods to the proper temperature can help prevent foodborne illness. Lindsay, A. and Helm, M. 2025, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-25-04-13
Minerals - Nutrition information for older adults Setting your table with a variety of foods from all the food groups in MyPlate will help you meet your mineral needs, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and zinc. While food is your best source of minerals, a supplement may be beneficial for some older adults. Check with your health care provider to see what is best Lindsay, A. and Helm, M. 2025, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-25-04-19
Nutrition Facts Label - Nutrition Information for Older Adults The servings per container tells you how many servings are in that package. Lindsay, A. and Helm, M. 2025, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-25-04
Sodium - Nutrition information for older adults Consuming too much sodium can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Sodium is added in most processed foods and is in both table salt and sea salt. Lindsay, A. and Helm, M. 2025, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-25-04-8
Supplements & Medications - Nutrition information for older adults Supplements are an added source of nutrition in the form of a pill, powder or liquid that help provide the extra nutrients our bodies need when we are not able to get enough through our diet alone. Lindsay, A. and Helm, M. 2025, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-25-04-20
Vitamins - Nutrition for Older Adults Vitamins are important for our body and health because they help with growth and repair. There are many vitamins, and they all support different functions in our body. Lindsay, A. and Helm, M. 2025, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno
Carbohydrates - Nutrition Information for Older Adults Carbohydrates are our friend. After all, they are our body’s preferred source of energy and provide important nutrients. Choose whole fruits and vegetables and whole-grain products for the most energy and nutrients. Look for 100% whole grain on the label. Lindsay, A., Helm, M. 2025, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-25-04
Fats - Nutrition Information for Older Adults Our bodies use fat as energy, and to protect our organs and transport vitamins. If you need more calories (energy) to maintain your weight, healthy fats can provide a lot of energy in a small amount. Lindsay, A., Helm, M. 2025, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-25-04
My Plate - Nutrition Information for Older Adults MyPlate provides a visual picture of what a balanced meal should look like. The colorful plate also reminds us to eat a variety of colors. Include all five food groups for a balanced and complete meal. Lindsay, A., Helm, M. 2025, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-25-04
Nutrients & Energy - Nutrition Information for Older Adults What does our body need? Carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water. Lindsay, A., Helm, M. 2025, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno
Nutrition Information for Older Adults Nutrition Information for Older Adults Lindsay, A., Helm, M. 2025, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-25-04
Proteins - Nutrition Information for Older Adults Protein provides essential nutrients called amino acids that help build and repair muscles, heal wounds and fight infections. Your body can’t make all the amino acids you need, so these essential amino acids must come from your food. Lindsay, A., Helm, M. 2025, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-25-04
Servings - Nutrition Information for Older Adults Make sure to eat adequate servings from all five food groups. Visit MyPlate.gov to see how many servings are right for you. Lindsay, A., Helm, M. 2025, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-25-04
Informational Publications
University of Nevada, Reno Extension Statewide Health and Nutrition Program Best Practices Guide for Program Implementation (First Edition) This tool serves as a resource for implementing multi-component interventions and evidence-based curricula to improve the health and wellbeing of Nevadans. It is designed to assist internal and external collaborators in increasing the appeal of healthful nutrition and physical activity in limited resource communities. Helm, M. M., Buffington, A., Lindsay, A. R. 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Informational Publication
Journals
Longitudinal Three-Year Associations of Dietary Fruit and Vegetable Intake with Serum hs-C-Reactive Protein in Adults with and without Type 1 Diabetes Helm MM, Basu A, Richardson LA, Chien L-C, Izuora K, Alman AC, Snell-Bergeon JK. 2024, Nutrients. 2024; 16(13):2058
Recipes
Eggs and Spinach Scramble with Red Pepper Pesto Everyone will love this "eggs-ellent" brain healthy breakfast recipe! Extension's Healthy Aging Program 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Newsletter
Greek Yogurt Oatmeal A breakfast rich in fiber, protein and dairy. Extension's Healthy Aging Program 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Newsletter - Healthy LIVING while aging! (2021-03)
Mixed Berry Crisp This dessert will tantalize your taste buds and offer heart-health benefits. Extension's Healthy Aging Program 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Recipes
Pasta Primavera A flavorful spring recipe for you and your family to savor. Extension's Healthy Aging Program 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Newsletter - Healthy LIVING while aging! (2021-04)
Quick and Healthy Black-Eyed Peas Black-eyed peas are a traditional New Year's dish for some people and a healthy way to start the year. Extension's Healthy Aging Program 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Recipes
Simple Fish Tacos This Cinco de Mayo-inspired menu includes fresh, healthy flavors. Extension's Healthy Aging Program 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Newsletter - Healthy LIVING while aging! (2021-05)
Summer Squash Salsa Summer squash is the secret ingredient in this summer salsa. Make it a meal by adding whole grains. Extension's Healthy Aging Program 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Newsletter - Healthy LIVING while aging! (2021-08)
Watermelon Salsa The perfect summertime salsa to serve with chips or on tacos. Extension's Healthy Aging Program 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Newsletter - Healthy LIVING while aging! (2021-07)
Creamy Peanut Dip A dip that is great with fruit and vegetables. Extension's Healthy Aging Program 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Recipes
Fall Butternut Squash Stew A seasonal stew great for enjoying fall flavors and produce. Extension's Healthy Aging Program 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Recipes
Green Bean Sauté An easy side dish for Thanksgiving or any time of year! Extension's Healthy Aging Program 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Newsletter - Healthy LIVING while aging! (2020-11)
Kale Soy Salad A quick salad that is easy to prepare and tasty. Extension's Healthy Aging Program 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Newsletter - Healthy LIVING while aging! (2020-08)
Refrigerated Apple Butter A homemade spread great on toast or gifted to loved ones! Extension's Healthy Aging Program 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Newsletter - Healthy LIVING while aging! (2020-12)
Special Publications
Statewide Needs Assessment for Nevada's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed), Final Report (Phase 1) SNAP-Ed is a federally funded grant program that supports evidence-based nutrition education and obesity prevention interventions for persons eligible for SNAP benefits. This needs assessment describes the most pressing nutrition and physical activity needs of the SNAP-eligible population in Nevada. Elgeberi, N., Luckey, B., Helm, M. 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-22-16