Writer: Robert Burns (903) 834-6191,rd-burns@tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Ramona Kellam (903) 834-6191,r-kellam@tamu.edu
OVERTON - As the new regional program manager for Better Living for Texans, Rochelle Wiggins hopes to contribute to the successful nutritional program.
A federally funded program, BLT helps food stamp, food stamp eligible and limited-income families make better food choices, prepare safe and nutritionally sound foods, and better manage limited food dollars.
It will be Wiggins’ job to help family and consumer science agents with Texas Cooperative Extension and BLT program assistants with record keeping, accountability, and staying within the federal guidelines in 20 East Texas counties.
“I just hope I’ll be able to make their jobs easier and contribute to the overall success of the BLT program,” Wiggins said.
Wiggins received a bachelor’s of science in nutrition from Texas A&M University in 1995. Since graduating, Wiggins has taught middle school and 8th grade, coached junior high basketball, volleyball and track and varsity softball at Troup, Texas.
Though she found teaching rewarding, Wiggins said her new job as BLT program manager is a better fit with her academic degree. She is a native of Overton.
Implemented under the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program, BLT is a cooperative endeavor of Texas Cooperative Extension, the Texas Department of Human Services and the Southwest Regional Office of the Food and Nutrition Service of USDA.
In Texas, the BLT program was piloted in 29 Texas counties in 1995. Currently, 165 counties have BLT programs.
“Without a doubt, Rochelle will be an asset to the program, not only at the district level but at the state level, too,” said Dr. Ramona Kellam, the district Extension director based at Overton. “She will work one-on-one with agents and help keep us in compliance with program guidelines. She will enable us to reach a wider audience.”
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