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A new leader has taken the helm of a non-profit organization that teaches children and adults more about healthy eating – an organization that was started in Independence.
Erin Laurie became the executive director of Nutra-Net in January, replacing Lisa Medrow. She has spent the last 15 years in nutrition education as a Registered Dietitian and has dedicated much of her life to working with children, teaching them to eat healthy and live a more healthy lifestyle.
“I am thrilled to be a part of Nutra-Net,” she said. “I am looking forward to continuing the relationships with all of the wonderful Nutra-Net friends and partners as well as beginning to build new ones.”
Nutra-Net began almost 30 years ago in Independence with a group of dietitians, teachers and Home Economics professionals. The goal was to develop nutrition lessons to meet the needs of low-income families. Since then, the organization also works to combat the childhood obesity epidemic by creating programs to teach children how to cook healthy meals and snacks as well as to shop for the best and most healthy foods at the grocery store. It has been awarded the Nutrition Action Award by the Society for Nutrition Education and were also recognized by the Missouri Department of Health.
One of the most recognizable Nutra-Net programs is the “Whip, Zip and Zap” Cookbook. The pictorial cookbook includes fast and healthy recipes that use more whole grains, fruits and vegetables. The steps are illustrated so that children of any age to use it.
It can be used in connection with Storytime Cooks and the Whiz Zip and Zap It program for pre-school and elementary students. These programs combine food-related stories with other nutrition activities.
Laurie has used her knowledge to work with 4-H groups as a food and nutrition leader and has also taught Jazzercise classes. She has also been an adjunct faculty member and educator in the corporate, community and school settings.
“I so appreciate Nutra-Net’s long-standing history,” she said. “I also appreciate its commitment to bring the gift and health, affordable cooking to all ages with diverse backgrounds.”
In addition to Laurie, Diane Besler has been appointed as the Nutra-Net Program Director. She will assist Laurie with planning and provide input on grants. She was previously with the teen Health mentor Program in the Hickman Mills School District.
A new leader has taken the helm of a non-profit organization that teaches children and adults more about healthy eating – an organization that was started in Independence.
Erin Laurie became the executive director of Nutra-Net in January, replacing Lisa Medrow. She has spent the last 15 years in nutrition education as a Registered Dietitian and has dedicated much of her life to working with children, teaching them to eat healthy and live a more healthy lifestyle.
“I am thrilled to be a part of Nutra-Net,” she said. “I am looking forward to continuing the relationships with all of the wonderful Nutra-Net friends and partners as well as beginning to build new ones.”
Nutra-Net began almost 30 years ago in Independence with a group of dietitians, teachers and Home Economics professionals. The goal was to develop nutrition lessons to meet the needs of low-income families. Since then, the organization also works to combat the childhood obesity epidemic by creating programs to teach children how to cook healthy meals and snacks as well as to shop for the best and most healthy foods at the grocery store. It has been awarded the Nutrition Action Award by the Society for Nutrition Education and were also recognized by the Missouri Department of Health.
One of the most recognizable Nutra-Net programs is the “Whip, Zip and Zap” Cookbook. The pictorial cookbook includes fast and healthy recipes that use more whole grains, fruits and vegetables. The steps are illustrated so that children of any age to use it.
It can be used in connection with Storytime Cooks and the Whiz Zip and Zap It program for pre-school and elementary students. These programs combine food-related stories with other nutrition activities.
Laurie has used her knowledge to work with 4-H groups as a food and nutrition leader and has also taught Jazzercise classes. She has also been an adjunct faculty member and educator in the corporate, community and school settings.
“I so appreciate Nutra-Net’s long-standing history,” she said. “I also appreciate its commitment to bring the gift and health, affordable cooking to all ages with diverse backgrounds.”
In addition to Laurie, Diane Besler has been appointed as the Nutra-Net Program Director. She will assist Laurie with planning and provide input on grants. She was previously with the teen Health mentor Program in the Hickman Mills School District.
