معرفی
Kate Yerxa is an Extension Professor and EFNEP (Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program) Coordinator at the School of Food and Agriculture, University of Maine. She holds a Master of Science (M.S.) in Nutrition and is a Registered Dietitian (RD) since 2003. Her primary roles include coordinating EFNEP initiatives and teaching FSN 301: Life Cycle Nutrition.
Her professional interests focus on community nutrition, particularly implementing and evaluating educational programs for limited-income and food-insecure populations. She also promotes breastfeeding education and evaluates obesity prevention strategies. Research highlights include assessing policy, systems, and environmental changes to support healthy behaviors.
Her recent publications emphasize program impact evaluations, including the effects of EFNEP on quality of life and innovative interventions like the Eat Well Volunteers Program. She has contributed to food science studies, such as exploring whole grain acceptance among young adults, and policy analyses related to Maine’s nutrition programs.
Yerxa’s work bridges academic research and community action, with a focus on translating evidence into practical solutions for food security and health equity. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams and leverages technology (e.g., email networks) to enhance program outreach and effectiveness.
