SNAP-Ed’s Dynamic Duo learning more to make a difference

Hamilton One of the best kept secrets in Marion County is the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. The Marion County Extension Office is a powerhouse in providing and promoting evidence-based programs for citizens of all ages. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) is part of that powerhouse. The goal of SNAP-Ed is to “improve the likelihood that persons eligible for SNAP will make healthy food choices within a limited budget and choose physically active lifestyles consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) food guidance.”

SNAP-Ed delivers direct education, promotes policy, systems, and environmental changes to remove barriers to healthy eating and active living in the places where people eat, live, learn, play, work and shop, and uses marketing techniques to influence target audiences to adopt behaviors that benefit their health. For more information on SNAP-Ed visit usda.gov.
The Dynamic Duo of Josh Berryhill and Ginger Eatman work closely together to ensure that underserved audiences in Marion and Walker counties are reached. Berryhill is one of 29 SNAP-Ed educators in the state, while Eatman is one of 10 SNAP-Ed Extension agents. In addition to her work in Marion and Walker counties, Eatman also provides technical assistance throughout the Northwest Region.
Both Berryhill and Eatman are committed to continued learning and community impact, always seeking opportunities to expand their knowledge and better serve the people of Marion and Walker counties.
Alabama Ag in the Classroom Summer Institute
In the summer of 2024, Berryhill and Eatman attended the Alabama Ag in the Classroom Summer Institute (AITC) in Tuscaloosa. AITC Summer Institute included workshops that integrated agricultural activities for grades K-6 and field trips to active farms. Participants received professional development hours, as well as innovative materials and teaching strategies that increase student knowledge of the nutritional and economic importance of the food and fiber systems in their daily lives. Activities incorporate language arts, science, social studies and mathematics skills.
Eatman, along with SNAP-Ed Extension Agent Torie Ennis, was asked to be a presenter and share their knowledge about Brain Breaks. Brain Breaks are short physical activity breaks, usually one to five minutes in length, that allow your body and brain to reset and regain focus.

SNAP-Ed Annual Conference
Berryhill and Eatman attended the SNAP-Ed Annual Conference in Orange Beach. The conference provides a dynamic learning environment that SNAP-Ed aims to replicate in the programs it offers. Sessions are active, hands-on and engaging.
The annual conference also serves as the time when educators receive their success checklist and expectations for the coming year, along with training on any new programs and implementation strategies. This year, Berryhill and Eatman have already begun putting new ideas into action in both Marion and Walker counties

Feeding Change: Nourishing Alabama’s future summit
The Statewide Landmark Summit was a transformative event held in partnership with numerous hunger, food, nutrition and agriculture organizations and leaders from across Alabama. The summit featured keynote speakers and networking opportunities, along with a wide range of breakout sessions covering topics such as emerging issues in agriculture, rural food infrastructure, enhancing food access, bridging gaps and building resilience, food as medicine and cultivating skills for impact (Sweet Grown Alabama).
“True professional growth comes not just from learning new skills, but from finding purpose in your work,” Berryhill said. “I love being a SNAP-Ed educator, having an opportunity to fill that purpose and dedicating myself to making a difference in Marion and Walker counties. Each professional development opportunity is a step forward, helping to create a lasting impact for others."
“‘Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life’ is a quote by Mark Twain that I remember often,” Eatman said. “I thank the good Lord every day for the opportunity to have a career where I can make a difference in the lives of others.
“The professional development opportunities we’ve experienced over the past year have given us the tools we need to succeed in our profession,” Eatman continued. “Each experience provides a foundation for us to learn more and make a greater impact in Marion and Walker counties. We want to paint a different picture—a healthier picture—of our counties. We may not be able to change everyone, but if we make a difference for one person, and that person makes a difference for another, then together, we paint a more beautiful picture of a healthier future. We are so thankful for our partners, our communities, our schools and the opportunities to work together to create solutions for a more sustainable future.”
Berryhill and Eatman invite you to share in these same learning experiences. If you are interested in attending the AITC Summer Institute, the deadline to register is April 15.  Visit alabamaaitc.org/app-application-policy/ for more information.