News and Notes: August 2023

August 30, 2023

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CAES

Extension nutrition program coordinator McSwain wins national award

Shewana, McSwain, Ph.D.

Shewana McSwain, coordinator of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-ED) and the Interim coordinator for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), both in Cooperative Extension, has won the Excellence in Extension Award in the Family and Consumer Sciences category at the Program Leaders Network Conference in Orlando Florida. 

McSwain was presented with an award and a $500 check. 

In these roles, McSwain works to provide nutritional programs for limited-resource families, including Try Healthy, Kids In the Kitchen, LIFT, Teen Cuisine and Speedway to Healthy, working to make sure . that program policies and guidelines are followed.

She also connects the programs to current research, oversees curriculum and staff development, communicates program value and successes, secures program resources, and practices good stewardship of federally allocated program funds, according to an article by N.C. Cooperative Extension.. She works with other states, territories, regional, and local personnel to train EFNEP and SNAP-ED Educators. Her favorite part of this position is seeing and hearing the success stories from families that complete their programs. 

“I am deeply honored,” McSwain said. “Community health has always been my passion, and my belief in the mission of Cooperative Extension has fueled my dedication. Witnessing the tangible impact of our programs within the communities we serve reinforces the significance of our collective efforts.

“This award is not just a recognition of past achievements but a commitment to the future. I am steadfast in my resolve to continue crafting programs that strive for excellence and contribute meaningfully to the betterment of the lives we touch.”

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