Derr joins county extension

The Iowa State University Extension office has added a familiar face to help kids make healthier food choices.
Georgana Derr has accepted the Pick a Better Snack Coordinator position with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Montgomery County. Pick a Better Snack aims to help children eat more fruits and vegetables. Derr said she was excited to take on the role.
“I heard about the Pick A Better Snack program from the Extension Office. Then, I did some research online and found out more on the Iowa Health and Human Services website,” Derr said. “I became interested in the opportunity when I learned that the nutrition educator would be going into the schools and presenting the program. I liked the idea of getting to go into the classroom and teach about new and different fruits and vegetables.”
Derr will teach 30-minute interactive lessons once a month in kindergarten through third-grade classrooms in both the Red Oak and Villisca School Districts. Derr said it was very important for kids to get the chance to learn about healthier food alternatives, and members of the ISU extension agreed.
“County Director Sadie Lindgren realized that there was a need in our county, so she wrote a grant to bring Pick A Better Snack to Montgomery County. Red Oak and Villisca schools qualified for the program because of how many kids are in the free and reduced lunch program. Our population struggles with food insecurity, food deserts, and economic issues, so this program is important to help introduce and educate kids about fruits and vegetables,” explained Derr.
Derr added they’re able to pack quite a bit of learning into the 30 minute sessions.
“During PABS, kids do physical activities to get moving, we learn about food and where it comes from or where it grows, we try new food, and we vote on what we think about the food,” Derr stated.
Derr commented on some of the things she’s looking forward to as she continues on her new role with the extension.
“I am most looking forward to being able to positively introduce healthy foods to kids using their five senses to explore, learn, and taste foods. Hopefully, kids will use those skills to continue to try other new foods. Sadie and I attended a two-day Healthy Living Conference. It was wonderful to meet other nutrition coordinators and educators and share about the work that is being done in Iowa. I look forward to hearing from kids and their families and seeing what new foods they are asking for,” said Derr.
Additionally, the following website has healthy and affordable meal options for everyone: spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/.