Macy Helm

Photo of Macy Helm, Extension

Macy Helm

Nutrition Education Programs Sr. Coordinator

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.

produce department

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
bag of sugar with shades on
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
healthy food options
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
Asian couple cooking at home
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
bottle and a glass of milk
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
whole grain label
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
leftover containers
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
coupons
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
refrigerator thermometer
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 storage containers
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
a rainbow of fruits and vegetables
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
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
salt shaker
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 shaped like a heart
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
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
Fruits and Vegetables
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
Olive Oil
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
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
gas and oil cans with the words minerals and nutrients labeled on them
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
Walking veggies
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