ALBION, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension is expanding the reach of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education by adding a local SNAP-Ed Educator. Alizah Harper will serve as the SNAP-Ed Educator for the five-county unit, including Edwards, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, and Wayne counties.
Harper joins a team of three SNAP-Ed community outreach workers within the unit who provide nutrition education in schools, food pantries, and other organizations at the county level. Through policy, system, and environmental initiatives, Harper will collaborate with communities and local organizations to broadly address nutrition, health, and food access.
"I am excited to announce that our five-county unit will be welcoming a new SNAP-Education Educator,” says Extension County Director Tara Buerster. “Mrs. Harper will be a great addition to our team, and her presence will significantly enhance our ability to provide valuable nutrition education and advocate for policy changes in the communities we serve."
Harper’s vast experience in healthcare, work with diverse audiences, and passion for education will be instrumental in expanding SNAP-Ed programming, developing partnerships, and creating action plans to encourage healthier communities.
“I believe that public health interventions should be tailored to the unique needs of each community, ensuring that resources and education are both accessible and effective,” says Harper. “Through my work, I aim to bridge gaps between policy, clinical care, and community-based interventions to create long-term improvements in health outcomes.”
Harper currently serves as the Illinois Extension Wabash County Office Support Assistant and will begin her new position in May. She completes her Master of Public Health from Indiana University in May and received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Indiana University Southeast. Harper will be based out of the Edwards County Extension office and can be reached at alizah@illinois.edu or 618-445-2934.