Marie Arias

"The most joy is when the participants share in class how they are implementing what they have learned in class; for example, they read the nutrition fact labels, pay more attention to added sugars, fats, dietary fiber, etc. Or when they learn that defrosting their meats at room temperature/overnight on counters or in the sink is a high risk for food poisoning." ~ Marie Arias, Community Nutrition Educator

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Sagrario Cadena

"The most rewarding part of teaching EFNEP is seeing participants’ reactions as they begin to grasp the knowledge being shared. It’s that “aha” moment when health and nutrition fundamentals truly click. From understanding the Nutrition Facts label and portion sizes to learning what it really means to “break the fast” with the most important meal of the day, those moments are powerful. They reflect growing confidence and awareness. Experiences like these are what make this work so meaningful." ~ Sagrario Cadena, Community Nutrition Educator

Pilar Coeto

"Watching participants learn how much sugar and fat are in some of the foods they eat brings me the most joy. I especially enjoy seeing how this knowledge motivates them to make healthier choices, such as cutting back on snacks like Hot Cheetos, Takis, and sugary drinks. I remember one moment when a student turned down his Fanta and said, “I bring one of these to school every day - I won’t do it anymore,” and then handed it to me. That moment really showed me how impactful this program can be in shaping a child’s perspective at a young age. It reminded me that even small lessons can lead to meaningful behavior change, and that early education plays a powerful role in building healthier habits as they grow up." ~ Pilar Coeto, Community Nutrition Educator and Team Lead

Rosario Lopez

"I enjoy all the ESBA (Eating Smart, Being Active) lessons, but regarding Lesson #2, I explain to the participants that it is very easy to stay active. I show them how to raise their heart rate by following the accompanying handout: first, they perform the stretches, and then - if they are beginners - they start with the easier exercises. When we do this in class, I ask them to periodically place their hands over their hearts so they can feel for themselves that their heart has started beating faster. A participant from the Living Grace Home organization sent me a text message expressing her gratitude because she had secured a job at a hospital - thanks to the ESBA nutrition classes. She was so happy and it made me feel as though, in my role as a nutrition educator, I had truly changed the life of a young mother who had a baby to care for." ~ Rosario Lopez, Community Nutrition Educator