Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How is the PA NEN related to the PA Tracks?
The Pennsylvania Nutrition Education Network is a “project” of the Pennsylvania Nutrition Education Tracks: funding for the PA NEN comes from PA Tracks. The Management Entity, housed in State College, has ultimate oversight of the PA NEN and PA Tracks. The PA NEN promotes the work of PA Tracks, and works to identify new projects that are eligible for funding by PA Tracks. To find out more about PA Tracks, visit www.patracks.org.
Who is the target audience for the PA NEN?
Individuals and organizations that share the mission of delivering science-based nutrition education to Pennsylvania’s citizens, particularly low-income households are those who are involved in the PA NEN. Nutrition educators, dietitians, public health workers, university faculty, food service administrators in schools, consumer educators, food industry representatives, and meal planners for food banks, senior programs, and children’s activity programs profit from PA NEN membership.
Why does the PA NEN focus its efforts to low-income Pennsylvanians?
Funding for the PA NEN comes from USDA, Food and Nutrition Services. Those monies are allocated for work to provide educational programs that increase, within a limited budget, the likelihood of all food stamp recipients making healthy food choices and choosing active lifestyles consistent with the most recent advice reflected in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Food Guide Pyramid.
Is membership to the PA NEN really free?
Yes! It is free to become a member to the PA NEN. Click here and fill out a membership application today!
What is required of me to become a member of the PA NEN?
The PA NEN is a member-driven organization, consisting of several committees that advise the Network’s activity. All members share the PA NEN mission of ensuring effective and appropriate nutrition education is available, primarily for low-income populations, across the state. Beyond the mission, involvement is up to the discretion of each individual or organization.
How can I become more involved in the PA NEN?
To become more involved in the PA NEN, you can join one of our active committees: Social Marketing, Outreach, Tracks Advisory, Conferences and Events, and Research. After 2 years of membership on the network, you may be eligible to be elected to the Steering or Executive Committees. Other membership activities include attendance to PA NEN professional development events, implementation of social marketing campaigns, and review of nutrition educational materials, among others. Feel free to contact the staff or visit the committee page for more information.
How is the PA State Nutrition Action Plan (SNAP) initiative related to the PA NEN?
The PA NEN coordinates the development and distribution of the PA SNAP initiative. Currently, many organizations in Pennsylvania are working to increase fruit and vegetable intake of its citizens. To strengthen those efforts, partnering agencies are working on a Vegetable-of-the-Month campaign, creating nutrition education materials for state-wide distribution. For more information, visit the SNAP page.
What is Social Marketing and why is it important?
Social marketing employs marketing principles and techniques to advance a social cause, idea, or behavior. It entails the design, implementation, and control of programs aimed at increasing the acceptability of a social idea or practice that would benefit the adaptors or society. Social marketing campaigns employ formative research that better ensures long-term, sustainable behavior change. Find out more about the PA NEN social marketing campaign here.
Who should I contact if I have questions about the PA NEN?
If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact the PA NEN staff. Meet the PA NEN staff here.
