Photo of Anne R. Lindsay, Extension

Anne R. Lindsay

Professor, State Specialist

Summary

Dr. Lindsay conducts applied research and develops, implements and evaluates programs in nutrition and physical activiity across the lifespan. She has developed and implemented research and programs at the intersection of mental health/substance use with nutrition/physical activity including an emphasis on women and gender-responsive education. This includes understanding the impact of substance use and mental health in young women and the challenges they face, especially those with familes. Dr. Lindsay conducts research and programming addressing the role of physical literacy to promote physical activity in young children (ages 3-5) as well as older adults. With her unique expertise, she provides leadership and creative health resources for reaching not only the local community through public venues and classroom teaching, but the larger extension and other audiences through national publications and contemporary technologies.

Programs: Healthy Living, Sustainable Recovery; Healthy Steps to Freedom; Healthy Kids Early Start; Healthy Kids Resource Center; All 4 Kids: Healthy, Happy, Active, Fit (direct education community & school-based); I Am a Seed; Healthy Kids Festival; Bingocize

Education

Santa Monica High School
University California Santa Barbara, B.S.
University Nevada Las Vegas, M.S.
University Nevada Las Vegas, Ph.D.

Programs

Kids and teacher dancing with colored scarves in a classroom

All 4 Kids Program

Extension's All 4 Kids Program and its annual Healthy Kids Festival use activities, music, dance and food to teach kids and their families in Clark and Lincoln Counties nutrition, physical activity and self-acceptance.

Kids and leader dancing with colored scarves in a classroom

Healthy Kids Resource Center

A one-stop shop for evidence-based research, resources, curricula, activities and materials that focus on obesity prevention for teachers and parents of young children. It is designed to educate parents and teachers as well as provide the tools needed to teach young children how to live a healthy lifestyle.

freedom

Healthy Living, Sustainable Recovery

Program teaches nutrition and healthy lifestyles that address weight and energy concerns in women with substance abuse issues.

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.

Honors and Awards

  • 2021   Certificate of Appreciation, Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
  • 2020   Fellow Status, American College of Sports Medicine
  • 2019   UNLV Annual Alumna Award, School of Integrated Health Sciences
  • 2019   Delta Omega, Public Health Honorary Society, Delta Theta Chapter UNLV, Inductee
  • 2018   2018 Postgraduate Course on Physical Activity and Public Health (Columbia, South Carolina), Graduate
  • 2012  University of Nevada Reno, Extension 2012 Faculty Award of Excellence
  • 2012  USDA, NIFA Partnership Award for Mission Integration of Research, Education and Extension (All 4 Kids)
  • 2012  Western Extension Directors’ Award of Excellence (All 4 Kids Program)
  • 2012  Florence Hall Award, 3rd Place Regional Award, NEAFCS (All 4 Kids)
  • 2012  Family Health & Wellness Award, 3rd Place Nat'l Award, NEAFCS (All 4 Kids)
  • 2012  Family Health & Wellness Award, 2nd Place Western Region Award, NEAFCS (All 4 Kids)
  • 2012  USDA/Priester Health Award (All 4 Kids Program)
  • 2010  Television, 3rd Place National Award, NEAFCS (All 4 Kids CD/DVD Media Project)
  • 2010  Television, 1st Place Award, Western Region, NEAFCS (All 4 Kids CD/DVD Media Project)
  • 2009  Trophy award by Clark County School District for support of school PE programs
  • 2008  Healthy Hero Award by the Southern Nevada Health District 

Accomplishments

Grant-Related Activities

Helm, M., Malik, S., Nickel, C., Benedict, J. & Lindsay, A (Co-I) 2023-24. Funded by USDA, FNS, DWSS, SNAP-Ed. $(550,298.00). Total award $3,827,369 (Funding in Progress) 

Lindsay, A., & Nash, J. (2023-26) The Development of Golden Steps: Dance for Fall Prevention. Funded by UNLV-PT Student Opportunity Research Grant, Project#: 2026_G) ($3,000.00) (Funding in Progress)

Radzak, K., Sharma, M., Lindsay, A. (2023-24) A theory-based approach to explain the correlates of safe physical activity and knowledge in pregnant and postpartum individuals living in Clark County. Funded by UNR-UNLV Collaboration Grant Funded ($140,549.00) (Funding in Progress)

Mukhopadhyay, S., Aiyar, A., Lacy, K., Dahir, R., Lindsay, A., & Helm, M. (2023) The Effects of Broadband Internet on Rural Health Outcomes, Funded by USDA-NIFA-AFRI-A1661 $649,988. (Funded - In Progress)

Roget, N., Woods, W. (Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies), Lindsay, A., Expert Co-I, $145, 220 (sub allocation). (2023-24). HHS Region 9 Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Regional Center (ROTA-R9) [Funded by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (Total award $650,000.00). (Funding - In Progress).

Lindsay, A., Marney, A., & Shearrer, G. (2022). Western Region Mental Health and Nutrition Network. NIFA, AFRI, Diet, Nutrition and the Prevention of Chronic Disease (A1344). ($50,000). (Funding - In Progress).  

Park, S.Y., Yun, G. W, & Lindsay, A. (2022) Meet Me at #NVFarmersMarkets: Community-based integrated marketing training and campaign for Nevada farmers markets. Funded by USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) ($500,000). (Funding - In Progress).

Lindsay, A. & Heleman, N. (2022) Healthy Living, Sustainable Recovery for University Minnesota Extension SNAP-Educators (2021). Funded by University Minnesota Extension, SAMHSA. $2,000.

Horrillo, S., Lindsay, A., Buffington, A., Elgeberi, N., Helm, M., Chvilicek, S., Weigel, D., Kim, Y., Tingey-Baker, J., Taylor, L., & Moe, J. (2021-22). University Nevada, Reno, Extension: Sponsor Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services, Federal. Total award $1,816,528.

Lindsay, A. Western Kentucky University Research Foundation Bingocize® Nutrition Modules, Funded by Western Kentucky University (2021-2022). $13,351.

Lindsay, A. & Heleman, N. Healthy Living, Sustainable Recovery: Enhancing Treatment/Recovery Services for Women - Enhanced Professional Learning Series for University Minnesota Extension and Minnesota State Behavioral Health Staff (2021). Funded by University of Minnesota Extension, SAMHSA. $2,000.

Lindsay, A. Healthy Steps to Freedom: Enhancing Treatment/Recovery Services for Women - Enhanced Professional Learning Series (2021), Funded by Adapt Integrated Health Care, Oregon. Awarded $1,600.

Horrillo, S., Lindsay, A., Buffington, A., Norze, J., Berlin, H., Chvilicek, S., Kim, Y., Weigel, D., Taylor, L., Schembre, C.,Tingey-Baker, J., Deever, D., & Maio, H. (2020-21). University Nevada, Reno, Extension: Sponsor Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services, Federal. Total award $2,513,373.

Webber, K., Lindsay, A., Buffington, A., Cvilicek, S., Kim, Y., Weigel, D. and Taylor, L. (2019-20). University Nevada Reno, Extension; Sponsor USDA, FNS, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) $2,340,581

Lindsay, A., Buffington, A., Cvilicek, S., Kim, Y., Weigel, D., Emm, S., Taylor, L., Cervantes, J., Gatzke, H., & Webber, K. (2018-19). University Nevada Reno, Extension; Sponsor USDA, FNS, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) $1,875,670

Lindsay, A., Emm, S., Cervantes, J. and Nematian, E. (2018) "Stay Strong Stay Healthy", Sponsor DHHS, Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD) $16,100

Buffington, A., Lindsay, A. & Kim, Y (2017-18). Healthy Kids, Early Start. Sponsor USDA, FNS, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) $705,880

Lindsay, A. & Taylor, S. (2016-17). All 4 Kids©: Healthy, Happy, Active, Fit. Sponsor USDA, FNS, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) $252,334 

John, D. (PD), Gunter, K. (PD), Manore, M., Etuk, L., Langellotto, G., Rennekamp, R. Nevada Partner: Lindsay, A., Project Advisory Team Member (2011-16) GROW Generating Rural Options for Weight-Healthy Kids and Communities. Sponsor USDA, NIFA to Oregon State University $4,878,865 UNR-Extension Subaward $30,000.

Lindsay, A. & Perry, T. (2015-16). All 4 Kids©: Healthy, Happy, Active, Fit. Sponsor USDA, FNS, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) $251,957 

Lindsay, A. & Velasquez, S. (2015-16). Healthy Steps to Freedom. Sponsor USDA, FNS, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) $104,720.

Lindsay, A., Sigman-Grant, M. & Byington, T. (2014-15). All 4 Kids©: Healthy, Happy, Active, Fit. Sponsor USDA, FNS, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) $194,053 

Lindsay, A. (2014-15). Healthy Steps to Freedom. Sponsor USDA, FNS, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) $84,020.

Lindsay, A., Sigman-Grant, M. & Byington, T. (2013-14). All 4 Kids©: Healthy, Happy, Active, Fit. Sponsor USDA, FNS, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) $162,019. 

Lindsay, A. (2013-14). Healthy Steps to Freedom. Sponsor USDA, FNS, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) $122,513.

Lindsay, A. (2013-14). SNAP-Ed Administration. Sponsor USDA, FNS, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) $9,133. 

Lindsay, A. & Byington, T. (2013-14). All 4 Kids. Sponsor Acelero Head Start Learning $10,978.

Lindsay, A., Sigman-Grant, M. & Byington, T. (2012-13). All 4 Kids©: Healthy, Happy, Active, Fit. Sponsor USDA, FNS, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) $157,497. 

Lindsay, A. (2012-13) "Anahuac", Sponsor USDA, FNS, SNAP-Ed Food Stamps (matching grant), Federal $7,791                    

Lindsay, A. (2012-13). Healthy Steps to Freedom. Sponsor USDA, FNS, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) $112,559.

Lindsay, A. & Byington, T. (2012-13). All 4 Kids. Sponsor Acelero Head Start Learning $5,489.

Sigman-Grant, M., Lindsay, A., Byington, T. (2009-13). Resiliency in an Obesogenic Environment. Sponsor USDA, NIFA, Agriculture & Food Research Initiative, $1,100,000 (additional enhancement grant from Clark county: $50,000).

Lindsay, A., Sigman-Grant, M., Byington, T. (2011-12).  Child Care Physical Activity and Nutrition Modules. Sponsor State of Nevada, ARRA $10,930.    

Lindsay, A., Sigman-Grant, M., Byington, T. (2011-12). All 4 Kids: Healthy, Happy, Active, Fit. Sponsor USDA, FNS, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) $185,895. 

Lindsay, A. (2011-12). Healthy Steps to Freedom. Sponsor USDA, FNS, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) $115,416.   

Lindsay, A., Sigman-Grant, M., Byington, T. (2010-11). All 4 Kids: Healthy, Happy, Active, Fit. Sponsor USDA, FNS, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) $147,765.

Lindsay, A. (2010-11). Healthy Steps to Freedom. Sponsor USDA, FNS, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) $106,499.   

Byington, T., Sigman-Grant, M., Lindsay, A. (2009-11) Models of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) and Evaluation Demonstration Project.  Sponsor USDA, FNS $100,000.  

Lindsay, A., Sigman-Grant, M., Byington, T. (2009-10). All 4 Kids: Healthy, Happy, Active, Fit. Sponsor USDA, FNS, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) $135,164 (additional enhancement grant from Clark county: $50,000.

Sigman-Grant, M., Lindsay, A., Byington, T. (2008-09). All 4 Kids: Healthy, Happy, Active, Fit. Sponsor USDA, FNS, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) $81,988. 

Sigman-Grant, M., Lindsay, A., Byington, T. (2007-08). All 4 Kids: Healthy, Happy, Active, Fit. Sponsor USDA, FNS, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) $67,893.

Service

  • 2023-Present  Extension Foundation Community of Practice on Mental Health & Well-Being
  • 2023-Present  Board Member, SAMHSA Rural Opioid Technical Assistance - Region 9
  • 2022-Present Board of Advisors, Univ NV Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Integrated Health Sciences
  • 2022-Present UNR-Extension Preceptor, Precept Dietetic Internships for RDN Licensure in Nevada
  • 2022-Present University of Nevada Reno, University Promotion and Tenure Committee
  • 2021-Present  Multi-State Research Project WDC-55 (Western Region Mental Health & Nutrition Network)
  • 2020-Present  Ad Hoc Reviewer, International Journal of Environmental Research & Public Health and Journal Nutrition Education & Behavior
  • 2019-Present  Graduate Faculty Status, University Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Integrated Health Sciences; and School of Public Health
  • 2018-Present  Graduate Faculty Status, University Nevada Reno (UNR), CABNR, Dep’t of Nutrition
  • 2018-Present  Chair, Women’s Sustainable Recovery (WSR) Coalition
  • 2016-Present  Nevada State Dietary Advisory Group, Member-at-Large (elected)
  • 2013-Present  Nevada Early Childhood Obesity Prevention (ECOP) Steering Committee 
  • 2012-Present  NCCOR, SNAP-Ed (RJWF) National Framework Evaluation Committee, Author, Ambassador (Published in 2016) 
  • 2008-Present  Multi-State Research Project W-1005. W-2005, W-3005 (Officer/member)
  • 2006-Present  Partners for a Healthy Nevada Coalition 
  • 2019-2020      Board Member, Cup Cake Girls (support for those in the sex industry and affected by domestic sex trafficking)
  • 2019               Program Reviewer, USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) Toolkit
  • 2017-2019      National eXtension Opioid Crisis Response Team
  • 2015-2016      Chronic Disease Prevention Coalition, Southern NV 
  • 2013-2018      American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Exercise is Medicine® – Community Health Committee, Co-Chair/member 
  • 2014               Extension Public Values Development, Western Extension Directors Association (WEDA), San Diego.
  • 2013-2016      USDA's Nutrition and Health Committee for Planning and Guidance (by invitation); Chair, Subcommittee: Nutrition/PA
  • 2013               Nevada Department of Education Food and Nutrition Standards Revision Team
  • 2012-2013      Ad Hoc Reviewer, International Journal of Exercise Science and Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment                       
  • 2011-2012      Child and Adult Care Food Program Wellness Policy Committee (by invitation)
  • 2011-2012      National eXtension Initiative – Family, Food and Fitness Community of Practice (CoP) Behavior, Move Every Day (Co-Chair)
  • 2008               MyPyramid for Preschoolers – Advised the HHS and USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion MyPyramid for Preschoolers Content 
  • 2006-2014      State Coordinator for the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition 
  • 2006-2008      America on the Move/National Institute of Food & Agriculture (by invitation)

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

Curriculum Materials
Three people talking with eachother.
Recovery Environment and Education in Nutrition, Exercise and Wellness Scan
The REENEW Scan Tour and Assessment Guide is a peer-reviewed tool that can be used for conducting environmental assessments at recovery centers to better understand facility needs and support sustainable health improvements.
Lindsay, A., Heleman, N., Ferraris, J., and Helm, M. 2026, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, CM-26-01
child playing
Healthy Kids Resource Center: Physical Activities To Do With Your Children Section
Children have different needs at each age and stage of their development. Each child is also unique. If it's been a while since you've had children in the house, check out this list for activities that can help children learn, have fun, experience success, and feel good about themselves.
Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
Teacher and family connections curriculum: A supplement to the All 4 Kids: Healthy, Happy, Active, Fit obesity prevention program. Sigman-Grant, M, Van Brackel, A., Byington, T. and Lindsay, A. 2013, UNCE Publication CM-13-01
All 4 Kids book cover
All 4 Kids: Healthy, Happy, Active, Fit Classroom Education for Young Children.
Evidence-based curriculum to promote healthy eating, physical acivity and positive body image in young children.
Lindsay, A., Byington, T., & Sigman-Grant, M. 2010, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, CM-10-06
Healthy Steps to Freedom: A Health and Body Image Curriculum. Lindsay, A. & Velasquez, S. 2009, UNCE Curriculum Material CM-09-02
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
,