it’s like to be a minority. But that’s not a prerequisite—the only requirement is one we all can meet, Scott say, which is realizing that we all have and can learn to minimize implicit bias, the perspectives that shape how we behave and treat others. As we’re learning how, we can potentially teach others how to do it, too. Alvarado says one of his project’s big- gest challenges will be to stand out in a sea of often confusing health advice. “Because now everyone in social media purports to be an expert in nutrition,” he says. “And while some of it is mis- information, not all of it is wrong—but there are lots of mixed messages. Our challenge will be to help people learn how to sort through that information and make choices that are right for them.” There are also logistical and cultural barriers that may make it difficult for folks to engage in these programs. Michael asks, “What if a single par- ent is working two jobs? How do they get to one of our sessions? And they might just say, ‘No. I’m not going to expend these resources—such as gas
SURVEY SAYS The Langston University Extension NTAE team surveyed approximately 100 women, most between the ages of 18 and 34, in the summer of 2024 about their experience and interest in using a nutrition app.
COMMITMENT TO PATHWAYS, PARTNERSHIPS & ENGAGEMENT The New Technologies in Ag Extension grant program has funded several similarly focused projects in the last five years.
Extension was founded to do this work. LGUs are mandated to benefit all communities. —Dr. Denis Scott Professor West Virginia University Extension “
Una Educación Sobre la Educación The Juntos Program and Siempre Juntos
67% already use phones or tablets to look up health and food information.
78% had tried at least one nutrition app in the past.
Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well-Being Pathways, Partnerships, & Engagement Program Action Team
67% said it would be “very important” for a health app to reflect their cultural background.
significant health disparities among minority populations in southeast Oklahoma. (See page 21.) A huge key to the success of the app will be presenting the information in a culturally relevant way. “It has to recognize and respect users’ diverse dietary traditions and health practices, or they won’t trust or use it,” Alvarado says. “Sometimes the health messages we send to these communities aren’t rejected because they’re bad messages; they’re rejected because they don’t respect cultural differences.”
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES Both teams are well aware of the challenges their projects face. Michael and Scott expect one of their hurdles to be that Extension educa- tors are spread thin when it comes to programming and may not want to give up what they’re already doing to make room for something new. Another may be that educators in a majority group may not believe they’re qualified to speak on equity issues be- cause they haven’t experienced what
money—because I need to go buy food.” But also, what if a particular audience isn’t even aware of a pro- gram to begin with? While Extension educators may have geographic ac- cess to minority populations, “people who are not in the majority often don’t know about our programs,” Williams says. “We need to continue to make a concerted effort to reach everyone.” One way to do this is to partner with local organizations that intended audiences already trust, Williams says, noting that the Langston project is
working with the Healthy Oklahomans Nutrition Alliance, which helps Supple- mental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients use their benefits to purchase food from farmer’s markets. UNCERTAIN FUTURE? Programming with this focus is fac- ing more than just the challenges of reaching and resonating with audi- ences. Public and political support for it has begun to wane. “There’s been an increasing reluctance to continue this work in some areas,” Michael says, “as well as a perceived threat to funding.” Still, these teams remain optimistic about their projects and they encour- age other Extension educators to find ways to make minority populations a bigger part of their focus. Says Scott, “This should be an element of all Extension programs.” • Dr. Denis Scott, professor at West Virginia University Extension, co-facilitating a “Cultural Competencies for Communities” session for city employees in Huntington, West Virginia
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2023-2024 YEARBOOK | EXTENSION FOUNDATION/NTAE
EXTENSION FOUNDATION/NTAE | 2023-2024 YEARBOOK
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