The Virginia Family Nutrition Program is a program within Virginia Cooperative Extension that extends the land-grant education and outreach mission of Virginia Tech by offering a comprehensive collection of resources, educational programs, and services across the Commonwealth to improve the health of families. The motto of the Virginia Family Nutrition Program is Eat Smart, Move More.

The Virginia Family Nutrition Program has a specific focus of addressing food security and the prevention of costly chronic diseases. Our commitment to finding real solutions for our communities is showcased through a variety of programs and initiatives that impact community health.

Our funding comes from the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to offer the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and from the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to offer Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) in Virginia.

Contact: Amarja McCormick, Nutrition Education Facilitator, Family Nutrition Program, EFNEP & SNAP-Ed via email at amarja@vt.edu or by calling the Newport News Virginia Cooperative Extension office 757-591-4838.

We offer several different program series for individuals or groups:

  • Eating Smart-Being Active for caregivers of children 12 years or younger – learner-centered education on food budgeting, healthy eating, and physical activity
  • In the Kitchen for caregivers of children 12 years or younger – hands-on food preparation and cooking to gain key skills to prepare low-cost, easy, and nutritious meals and snacks at home
  • Healthy Eating and Staying Active as We Age for individuals 60+ years old – learner-centered education focused on nutrient concerns of older persons, such as fiber, saturated fat, sodium, and water
  • Nutrition Mini Lessons 30-minute sessions designed to be accessible and engaging, providing individuals or groups with practical information that can include, introduction to MyPlate, sodium, portion control, adding movement to your lifestyle, and more

Programs are available to adults with a limited income, receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) or who qualify for other government assistance programs like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Head Start, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Medicaid. There is no cost to participate in this innovative and hands-on program.

Amarja McCormick, is a Nutrition Education Facilitator serving Newport News, Norfolk, and Williamsburg. She works with limited income seniors, adults, and caregivers of small children in the community delivering nutrition education at various sites throughout the year. Contact her via email at amarja@vt.edu or by calling the Newport News Virginia Cooperative Extension office 757-591-4838.