Hello everyone!

My name is Madeline Breiling and I am interning with Oregon State University Extension Service in Umatilla County with SNAP-Ed. I just finished my second year at the College of Charleston in South Carolina, majoring in mathematics. I grew up in Umatilla County and I also served as an OSU Extension intern last summer, so I am excited to be back and helping in the community again this summer.

I am in the seventh week of my internship and I am excited to share some of what I have accomplished so far. Since I was also an intern last summer, I had some familiarity with SNAP-Ed and the Food Hero program. Last summer I really enjoyed getting to hand out free food samples and educate the public on healthy eating and the Food Hero program at the Pendleton Farmers Market and at the Milton Freewater Farmers Market. This summer I am excited because I have had the opportunity to hand out free food samples of our Food Hero recipes and educate the public on the Food Hero program at the Pendleton and Milton Freewater Farmers Markets once again, but I have also been able to expand my scope and be at the Athena and Hermiston Farmers Markets as well.

Early in my internship, I had the opportunity to have a Food Hero table at the Children’s Fair in Boardman. I was able to give many children and families fun ideas for healthier alternatives to the snacks they usually eat. I also had the opportunity to join the Farm to School Program at Athena-Weston School District’s Family Night where we made salsa using ingredients from the school garden. This was a great opportunity for the students and their families to see that food doesn’t just come from the grocery store.

As I quickly approach the final weeks of my internship, I am excited to continue working on the many projects I am already working on as well as begin to do more with St Mary’s Outreach in Pendleton. I am very excited to be back in Umatilla County with Extension and to see what other opportunities the rest of the summer will bring!