Human Nutrition

WSU Thurston County Extension is committed to improving the health and wellness of Thurston County residents through the Food $ense program.

Food $ense is a collaborative effort of the USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program*, USDA- Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES), Washington State University, Thurston County and local partners.  We currently serve students and families at Madison Elementary, Garfield Elementary, Pleasant Glade Elementary, Lydia Hawk Elementary and Rochester Middle School.  

 The goal of Food $ense is to provide nutrition education experiences that increase the likelihood that people eligible for SNAP will make healthy food choices within a limited budget and choose physically active lifestyles consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and Food Guidance System (MyPyramid.gov).

For more information about the program contact Sue Duffy, Food $ense Coordinator or visit our blog Grow Happy Kids.

WSU Thurston County Extension is also an active member of the Thurston County Child Healthy Weight Coalition.   

*formerly Food Stamps; Basic Foods in Washington State

Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.  All programs comply with federal, state, and county regulations.