Food Hero « OSU Extension Internship Program

My summer with Oregon State University Extension has been very fulfilling, and I have learned
a lot through this experience. My knowledge has deepened, and I have created new connections
with my community. I am grateful for this opportunity and the memories I made.

Ashley Treadwell assists students in preparing snacks after a tour through the garden. Photo: Rachel Sorensen

One of my favorite parts of my internship was visiting elementary schools each week to teach the
Growing Healthy Kids curriculum to 1st graders. During the final week, we took the students to
the community garden so they could see firsthand how food is grown. My supervisor, volunteers
and co-workers each led small groups of students through the garden, pointing out the various
fruits and vegetables being cultivated. The students were ecstatic and eager to learn about
everything the garden had to offer.

After the tour, we provided snacks and refreshments. Using Food Hero recipes, we prepared
ranch, black bean dip and hummus to spread on crackers; then the students decorated their
crackers with an assortment of vegetables. Each group thoroughly enjoyed their time in the
garden and walked away having learned a lot.

One challenge I overcame during my internship this year was becoming more comfortable
speaking in front of large groups. While I know there is still room for growth, I feel my skills
have become more solid and I have gained greater confidence. This is a skill I can directly apply
to many areas of my life, whether in college or in my future career and one that will be valuable
for a lifetime.

A key takeaway that I have from my time at Extension is that a positive change within a
community begins with access to resources. Many people have the motivation to live healthier
lives, but may not know where to begin. Oregon State University Extension offers guidance and
resources to help bridge that gap and empower individuals to make that step.

-Ashley Treadwell

Hello again!

My name is Madeline Breiling, and I am now in my last week as a SNAP-Ed intern. Throughout my internship this summer, I have had the opportunity to assist and take the lead on many projects throughout Umatilla County. Reflecting on the work I’ve done this summer and in my past summers working with OSU Extension, I am very grateful that I’ve been exposed to the wide variety of outreach, engagement and support that OSU Extension brings to our communities in Umatilla County. Before applying for this internship three years ago, I had never heard of OSU Extension and now I tell everyone I know to get in contact with their local extension office.

Two people wearing food hero shirts running a table labeled food hero serving salsa. — Gage Meagher and Madeline Breiling at the Milton Freewater Farmers Market. Photo- Mars Alderson

This summer, I have had the opportunity to hand out free food samples and Food Hero recipes at both the Pendleton Farmers Market and the Milton Freewater Farmers Market. I’ve had a Food Hero table at both of these markets for the last two years, so I was excited to be back again this year. It has been fun to match recipes to the local fruits and vegetables that people can buy at the market. It has also been nice to develop more of a relationship with the local farmers and use their produce in our samples. At the Pendleton market, we also started a scavenger hunt where kids find stuffed fruits and vegetables that are hidden in different market booths. This is a lot of fun for the kids and an easy way to encourage families to stop at all of the booths and talk to the local farmers.

I also have had the opportunity to help teach the Growing Healthy Kids curriculum at the Hermiston summer schools and the Kids in the Kitchen curriculum in Athena. Over the last seven weeks of both classes, it has been really rewarding to see the kids gain more confidence in their cooking skills and become more adventurous eaters. Students come back each week to tell us how they have been cooking with their families at home. This week is the last week of our Growing Healthy Kids classes, and we get to take the students on a field trip to the community garden in Hermiston. They get to meet with some of the Master Gardeners and learn more about how to grow some of the fruits and vegetables that they’ve been cooking with. For the last week of the Kids in the Kitchen classes, they get to cook an entire three-course meal.

Kids sitting around a table learning about food by a girl in a Food Hero shirt — Madeline Breiling teaching the Growing Healthy Kids curriculum at the Hermiston summer school. Photo- Carolina Muniz.pdf

Last year, I handed out Food Hero food samples, recipes and information at the Pendleton food pantry and I’m glad I had the opportunity to do that again this year. In addition to the Pendleton food pantry, this year I also handed out information to the Blue Mountain Community College food pantry in Pendleton. It’s fun to figure out what Food Hero recipes can be made using the ingredients that the food pantries have excess of and to encourage people to take the ingredients.

This summer has truly flown by, and I am so grateful for all of the opportunities I’ve had through OSU Extension. I want to thank Shevon Hatcher, Carolina Muniz, Karen Wagner and all of the other Umatilla County OSU Extension employees who have made my last three summers enjoyable and educational.

Hi, my name is Macy Jones, and this summer I am an intern for Oregon State University
Extension Service in Clackamas County; mainly working with Family and Community Health.
This is my first time interning and so far, I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I currently attend Oregon
State University and will be a 2nd year student studying agricultural and food business
management. I have always enjoyed having a sense of community and building relationships
with others and this role does a great job of allowing me to branch out.

Macy Jones tabling at the First City Celebration in Oregon City. Photo: Natalie Padilla

Thus far, this position has allowed me to be more active in the community and helped me start
to develop more communication skills. My position includes being a co-leader with the Walk
with Ease program, which is focused on helping older adults walk with arthritis, Tabling events,
Free Food Markets and advancing my creative and organizational skills.

The Walk with Ease program meets twice a week for about an hour and is designed to support
older adults in improving their health and physical activity, particularly those managing
arthritis. As a co-leader, I help guide participants through a variety of activities such as warm up
stretches, a group walk and cool down stretches. We’ve also integrated resources from the
Food Hero website into the program by featuring a Food Hero Monthly newsletter and
distributing an incentive item on Tuesdays. On Thursdays, we hand out a related recipe to
reinforce healthy habits. In addition to Walk with Ease, I have also assisted with the Free Food
Market, which takes place on the second Tuesday of each month. At these events, we highlight
a Food Hero recipe that participants can prepare using ingredients they receive from the
market. So far, this role has allowed me to connect more deeply with the community and
strengthen my public speaking and communication skills.

Another event I have participated in while being an intern at Clackamas County is the Oregon
City First event. At this event, I helped run the Oregon State Extension booth where I got to
inform the public about Extension and all it has to offer. Before signing up for the event, the
other intern, Natalie, and I met with each department of Extension to gather information we
could then give to the public. This was a great learning experience as before this role I was not
aware of what all Extensions had to offer. At the event, we got to pass out flyers as well as
spread the word of the different types of services not only FCH provides but also Extension as a
whole.

Overall, this internship so far has been very beneficial, and I am excited to keep learning and
advancing my skills.

Hello! My name is Savannah Barron, and I am currently an intern working for Oregon State
University Extension Service in Columbia County, specifically the SNAP-Ed and Small
farms/Master Gardeners programs. I am going into my third year at Oregon State as an
undergraduate in botany, specializing in ecology, evolution and conservation, while also
minoring in chemistry and anthropology. This is my first year with OSU Extension, and the
experience so far has been amazingly full of community outreach and learning. It’s truly
wonderful to have such a hands-on experience in which you can see part of the impact you’re
having on the people you’re working with.

Savannah Barron, alongside coworkers, manage a booth at the Columbia County Fair. Photo: Janhvi Pandey

Entering my sixth week at OSU Extension, I have been able to participate in many different
programs and events. In fact, I just finished tabling at the Columbia County Fair! The diversity of
people I got to talk to and learn about was very insightful, and I cannot wait for more
opportunities to engage with the community. One program in particular that I have been
focusing on is completing a small farms and gardeners’ needs assessment. Part of OSU
Extension’s mission is to help teach the community, and we can only do that once we know
what they need help with. There are two different surveys I’ve been getting people to complete,
one for gardeners and one for small farms. Both have proved incredibly insightful into the
community’s needs, and as more people answer them, we get more accurate information. My
job is to spread awareness of the surveys and try to garner greater participation. I do this by
compiling information on small farms and calling them and working events like farmers markets
and fairs to do in-person assessments.

Besides the needs assessment, I have just started a few other projects. The biggest one I’m
undertaking is the Community Garden at Louis and Clark Elementary School. Due to lack of
time, this garden has been left to fend for itself for about a year. My job is to get it back in
working order—a thistle-and-native-plant filled journey that I am happy to embark upon—so that
the children and community members can have access to the wonderful teaching tool that is a
garden. On the SNAP-Ed side of things, I will be starting to help with summer lunch programs,
and exercise programs with Food Hero.

I am so grateful for this opportunity to be able to play a part in helping my community. I can’t
wait for the next few weeks on this journey and all the opportunities that await!

My name is Ashley Treadwell, and I live in Hermiston, Umatilla County. I just finished my
second year at Eastern Oregon University, and this fall I’ll start the nursing program there in
partnership with Oregon Health & Science University. I’ve loved my time in college and can’t
wait to blend my nursing studies with helping my community.

Ashley Treadwell hands out take-home baking kits to local high schoolers. Photo: Angie Treadwell

Last summer, I interned with OSU Extension, and I enjoyed it so much that I came back
this year. Working with Extension has let me mix my interest in health with community outreach.
One of my favorite parts has been bringing Food Hero recipes into cooking classes at the local
high school. Food Hero is a program by Oregon State University Extension that shares easy,
healthy and affordable recipes in both English and Spanish.

In my cooking classes, I assist students in preparing Food Hero recipes. For example, in
our last class, we made whole‑wheat blueberry muffins. Then, I gave each student all the
ingredients to take home so they could make the muffins again with their families. It was great to
see the students excited to cook and confident to try the recipe at home.

I’ve also worked with elementary students, teaching the Growing Healthy Kids
curriculum during summer school at two Hermiston schools each week. My supervisor, a
coworker and I visit to lead hands-on nutrition lessons. We begin with a fun physical activity tied
to the day’s theme, then show a short video and finish with the kids making and tasting a simple
Food Hero recipe. This approach helps students learn through movement, visuals and flavor,
making healthy eating both accessible and fun for young learners.

Looking ahead, I want to bring Food Hero into more classrooms and community
programs. I’m also excited to start my nursing education this fall. My big goal is to combine
nursing with public health outreach, helping families eat healthier, feel better and learn how
cooking can improve their lives. Prevention is key to preventing future health issues and
allowing for an active and engaged life.

Hello! My name is Aspen Bowling, and I’m currently serving as an intern with the Oregon State
University Extension Service Clatsop County, located in Astoria. This is my first year as an
Extension intern, and it’s already been an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience
that’s shaping my understanding of community-based agriculture and outreach. I just completed
my sophomore year at Oregon State University, where I’m majoring in agricultural science with
a minor in agricultural and natural resources communications. Agriculture has always been a big
part of my life as I grew up in California’s Central Valley, where I was actively involved in both 4-
H and FFA. Those early experiences helped spark my passion for ag education and community
engagement.

Aspen Bowling, an intern in Clatsop County, manages the Food Hero information table at a Mobile Produce Pantry event. Photo: Emily Reilly

Now wrapping up my third week with the Extension Service, I’ve had the chance to work
alongside our Small Farms and Master Gardener program coordinator, as well as our Family
and Community Health and SNAP-Ed coordinator. From checking cover crops and collecting
data to supporting mobile food banks, every day brings something new and meaningful.

One highlight so far has been participating in the Mobile Produce Pantry here in Clatsop
County. The local food bank packs up fresh produce and travels to different communities across
the county, distributing food at no cost to residents. At these events, I set up a Food Hero
information table where I share recipes, nutrition tips and quick facts about the produce being
distributed. We also prepare and offer samples of a featured Food Hero recipe, showing
community members simple, healthy ways to use the food they receive. It feels rewarding to see
how happy people get over their free fresh produce.

One of the more exciting projects I’ve been involved with is our cover crop data collection, which
supports local farmers in Clatsop County. Cover crops are important tools for improving soil
health, reducing erosion and managing pests and weeds, but farmers need localized data to
know what works best in our region. This data isn’t just for research but, it will be used to
develop practical, region-specific recommendations for local producers. We use this information
to organize farmer workshops and field days, where we can share results, demonstrate crop
varieties in action and offer guidance on how to integrate them.

This internship has already given me so many valuable experiences, and I’m looking forward to
what’s still to come. I’m proud to be a part of the OSU Extension team and excited to continue
supporting our local farmers and families!

Hey everyone! My name is Sienna Mahaffy, the intern here in Coos County this summer for the
second time! I will be a junior at Oklahoma State University in the fall, majoring in animal
science, with minors in ag business and equine enterprise management. I was born and raised
on a dairy farm in Coos Bay and was an active participant in 4-H, so agriculture and Extension
are close to my heart. My career goals are a work in progress, but I would love to get a master’s
degree and return home to work in Oregon agriculture.

Sienna Mahaffy working in the cranberry bogs. Photo: Sienna Mahaffy

I am excited to continue learning about the Oregon State Extension Service this summer! I will
be continuing my responsibilities with 4-H in preparing for the county fair by assisting with
organizing contests, setting up shows and disseminating information to members and leaders.
Additionally, I will continue to assist our Food and Nutrition Agent with the Food Hero program
at local farmers’ markets and organized classes. I look forward to continuing to work with youth
in the community through 4-H and Food Hero, educating them in agriculture and nutrition
while helping them have a fun, learning filled summer!

The most exciting addition to my summer experience is my introduction to the cranberry
industry! I am working with Coos County’s agriculture agent and local cranberry specialist to
trap and track cranberry girdler and black-headed fireworm moths, large pests in the cranberry
bogs of Coos and Curry counties. In my biweekly travels to check the pheromone traps I have
met with many growers and learned an immense amount about cranberry growing, an industry
that is thriving in this area.

My internship project has yet to be decided, but I will likely use the organization of the Milk
Drinking Contest again this summer. I have already contacted sponsors and arranged for the
donation of milk and prizes. Soon, I will begin contacting local dairy farmers to help serve the
milk and race against the winning team (our little Coos County tradition). I could also use my
increased involvement with managing the Purple Cow, the ice-cream booth run by 4-H and
staffed by local clubs during the fair to raise money for 4-H events, activities and awards
throughout the year!

Overall, this summer is looking to be the best yet. I am excited to continue my involvement with
Extension and work with my community in new, meaningful ways!

Hello, my name is Yolanda, and this is my fourth summer interning with Oregon State University Extension Service. This summer I lead a Walk With Ease group in Nyssa. This allowed community members to engage in physical activity at least three times a week and socialize with their neighbors. The goal for starting Walk With Ease in our county was to reduce isolation rates among community members, increase physical activity and increase awareness of healthy habits. Group members also received Food Hero resources each session. Seeing community members across all age groups enjoy each other’s company as we walked each morning was rewarding. I am beyond proud of my group because everyone started by walking 10 minutes the first week and over the course of the summer have now built up to walking 30 minutes three days a week. Walk With Ease was a beneficial and engaging program I highly enjoyed teaching this summer.

Yolanda Diaz showing an individual the Food Hero website at the WIC farmer's market. — Yolanda Diaz showing an individual the Food Hero website at the WIC farmer’s market. Photo: Barbara Brody

While I’ve worked at farmers markets in the past, this year I had the opportunity to work at the WIC (Women, Infant, and Children) farmers market hosted by the Malheur County Health Department. At the WIC farmer’s market, I engaged with over 400 families sharing the Food Hero website and explaining the various features they can utilize. Majority of the families I spoke to were not aware of Food Hero and everyone found it to be a very helpful resource. It’s always a delight to use my bilingual skills to assist community members who often struggle to access resources due to a language barrier. I learned that the WIC farmers market is more than a place to buy produce or share resources. It’s also a place to connect with families and community members who share the same environment, celebrate common successes, and face similar challenges.

Malheur County ranks at a high rate of food insecurity and there is much effort from families who do their best to tackle this challenge. Being at farmers’ markets and teaching about healthy nutrition, easy access and low-cost recipes, is one way I’ve seen Malheur County Extension contribute to the prevention and recovery of food insecurity. Community outreach has been one of my favorite parts of my internship. Being from Malheur County, I deeply value the opportunity to engage with families, students and community members. It feels like a direct impact is being made, leading to positive development. I am most fortunate to have been able to serve Malheur County this summer and look forward to contributing to all the continued work there is to deliver.

Hello again! My name is Chris Vasquez and I interned for the Oregon State University Extension Service this summer in Deschutes County, specializing in SNAP-Ed and horticulture. I am going into my third year at Oregon State University where I will be studying biohealth sciences with a minor in public health on the pre-pharmacy track.

Chris Vasquez teaches Food Hero recipes to resident at Bethlehem Inn Shelter for Homeless Individuals. Photo:Michaela Twarog

I grew up in Central Oregon and was extraordinarily fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the Extension Service in my home community. I decided to intern with OSU Extension this summer because I wanted to become more directly involved with my local community and more clearly understand populations I am not as experienced with. This internship taught me a lot about directly helping communities which I believe will extraordinarily benefit me in my future career endeavors. Since my last blog post, I have been productively busy with several side projects, online projects, and events. One highlight was our work with Bethlehem Inn where we taught cooking classes to homeless individuals. I could work directly with a community I was not as familiar with, a major goal I attempted to reach throughout this internship. Another highlight was the 2024 Deschutes County Garden Tour where I was able to help with tabling and guiding visitors to be more involved with the typically unfamiliar gardening community. I have also found myself working in our on-site demonstration garden, making Food Hero TikTok educational videos, attending local farmer’s markets, handing out recipes and samples at a mobile food pantry, volunteering in our plant clinic and finishing our Walk With Ease lessons at the senior center. The diversity in activities I have endured this summer allows me to leave with a strong sense of accomplishment I have been striving towards throughout my educational career. Throughout these endeavors, I have also learned to somewhat overcome my fear of public speaking. Through teaching opportunities, I have become comfortable with voicing my opinion and taking a leadership role in group dynamics. I feel that the work I have completed here will shape who I am for the rest of my professional life and inspire me to continue my community engagement efforts, as I am beyond fortunate for the opportunities presented to me during this internship.

My summer with OSU Extension has been amazing! I have learned a lot and made many new connections. My knowledge has become deeper and I am grateful for every experience that I have had working here.

Ashley Treadwell and Madeline Breiling at the Oregon State Extension farmers market booth in Pendleton. Photo: Carolina Muniz

The goal that I had going into this internship was integrating Food Hero recipes into the high school demographics. So, I went to the high school summer school classes and taught them some recipes. I did five classes for the morning group of students and two for the afternoon group. For the morning classes I focused on demonstrating breakfast recipes. For example, we made Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies, zucchini muffins, and smoothies to name a few. For the afternoon classes I did One Pan Chicken Alfredo and Any berry Sauce, which went on top of the ice cream they made the last day of class. Each class I instructed the students enjoyed, which makes me hopeful that they will use these recipes at home.

One part of this internship I enjoyed was teaching the Growing Healthy Kids Curriculum to 2nd graders in Umatilla. My supervisor, Carolina, presented the slides and I led the physical activities. Every time, all the kids were eager to participate in the exercise I had chosen for the specific lesson. After the lesson was taught, we immediately dove into making a food hero recipe that correlated. Most of them were willing to try new foods, which they ended up taking a liking to.

One struggle I overcame working in this internship was presenting in front of groups. Although I had previous practice with talking in front of large groups, I still was not completely comfortable. Through the cooking classes that I was involved in, I believe this skill has strengthened and I am far better than when I began. This internship pushed me to develop many skills that were weak, of which I am appreciative. This will help prepare me for college and my future career.

A key takeaway I have from my time at the extension is that education is important within the community and people are willing to learn. Many are trying to better themselves and lead a healthier lifestyle, but just need a little help. OSU Extension provides this help to those who seek it, it is a great resource.

-Ashley Treadwell

OSU Extension Internship Program

Category Archives: Food Hero

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