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For Immediate Release Media Contact: UC Cooperative Extension appoints nutrition social marketing director Fresno - Constance Schneider, a registered dietitian, has been appointed the nutrition social marketing director for University of California Cooperative Extension in Fresno, a role in which she will coordinate nutrition and physical activity programs for low-income families in Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced and Tulare counties. She assumes her new job Jan. 20. "This is such a wonderful opportunity to work in a community collaborative aimed at improving the health of Californians," said Schneider, who has most recently served as an assistant professor of nutrition at California State University, Fresno. "Much of my career as a community nutritionist and educator has been in preparation for this position." The new position was funded by a $2.66 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that made UC Cooperative Extension the Central Valley Region Lead Agency for the California Nutrition Network. In her new capacity, Schneider will facilitate a regional collaborative with a variety of public and private-sector agencies to offer educational programs that encourage better nutrition and enhanced participation in physical activities. Schneider has a bachelor's degree in dietetics and nutrition from Florida International University in Miami, and earned her doctorate degree in nutrition and food management at Oregon State University, Corvallis. In 2002, she moved to the valley for the post in Fresno State's Department of Food Science and Nutrition. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 100 million adult Americans were overweight or obese in 1999, and numbers have continued to rise. Overweight or obesity puts people at risk for developing life-threatening diseases, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer. Losing weight helps to prevent and control these diseases. "There are so many factors that have contributed to increasing overweight and obesity, we cannot focus on a single cause," Schneider said. "We'll be examining the valley's issues at a grassroots level to impact nutrition and physical activity behaviors." Schneider will address such issues that affect eating habits as income, convenience, culture, education, food stamps and the ability to access nutritious food; as well as the numerous factors that influence children's and adults' physical activity. "My understanding of adult and childhood education will be very helpful," Schneider said. "Working with community partners who have passion and commitment for the people they serve will be invaluable." After her start date, Schneider may be reached in her new office at UC Cooperative Extension, 1720 S. Maple Ave., Fresno, CA 93702, (559) 456-7285. # # #
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