Nourish ME

A New Season for Nutrition Education in Knox County​

Since the conclusion of our 13-year SNAP-Ed contract due to federal funding shifts, University of New England (UNE) has been actively working to build a sustainable, community-rooted path forward for nutrition education in our region.

We are excited to share that this next chapter is now officially underway in Knox County with the launch of a new program: Nourish ME, funded through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).

This funding has made it possible to re-establish and expand nutrition education services in a way that is inclusive and aligned with community health needs across the lifespan. The end of SNAP-Ed created a gap in consistent, community-based nutrition education locally, and Nourish ME is designed to rebuild that capacity in a more adaptable and sustainable model.

We are also pleased to share that Hester Brooks joined our team in June to help lead this work in Knox County. We are truly excited to have her expertise guiding the program’s return and growth.

Hester brings years of experience in community health and wellness programming, including wellness coaching, group facilitation, and health behavior change. She is a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach with a strong background in healthy eating, active living, motivational interviewing, and community-based health education.

Who Nourish ME is For

Nourish ME is designed to serve a broad range of community members across the lifespan, including:

• Families and caregivers

• Early childhood and youth programs

• Schools and out-of-school time settings

• Older adults and aging services partners

• Community-based organizations and food access sites

• Healthcare partners, including clinics and community health centers

The goal is to meet people where they are and make nutrition education accessible across everyday community settings.

What to Expect from Nourish ME

Expanded Reach Across the Lifespan - Nourish ME will not be tied to school eligibility requirements, allowing us to broaden access to free nutrition education from early childhood through older adulthood.

Food as Medicine Approach - Through Rural Health Transformation Program funding, we are also strengthening partnerships with local healthcare providers to better integrate nutrition education into clinical and preventive care settings. This includes opportunities to support chronic disease prevention and overall wellness through practical, food-based strategies.

What Programming May Look Like - Nourish ME will offer flexible, community-based programming that may include:

• Cooking and food skills workshops

• Grocery store tours and label reading education

• Youth nutrition and physical activity programming

• Chronic disease prevention and wellness groups'

• And more!

Next Steps & Program Development

We are currently in a strong “building phase” as Nourish ME continues to take shape:

• Curricula Development: UNE is refining educational tools and public health approaches that best serve Knox County residents.

• Partnership Building: We are actively identifying community sites interested in hosting programming beginning summer and fall 2026.

• Implementation Planning: With RHTP support, we are building a foundation for long-term sustainability and expanded regional impact.

We are currently seeking community partners interested in hosting programming or collaborating on outreach efforts. If your organization would like to learn more or explore partnership opportunities, we welcome the conversation.

Looking Ahead

Nourish ME represents more than a program relaunch—it is a renewed commitment to making practical, accessible nutrition education part of everyday community life across Knox County. Our goal is to strengthen long-term wellness by supporting people where they live, learn, work, and gather.