History of the 1890s Multi-State Conference

It all began with three universities: Tennessee State University, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and Alabama A&M University, which sought to train their educators through a multi-state project. After further discussions, the committee recognized the conference as an opportunity to train all university paraprofessionals and professionals who were unable to attend administrative conferences due to funding constraints.

The primary focus of the conference is to foster relationships, create opportunities, and develop programs within communities, highlighting the collaborative effort among the participating institutions. The conference specifically aims to improve food access in underserved communities across different states. It serves as a platform to pool resources related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) at 1890 land-grant universities. The overall mission is to enhance nutrition security and build partnerships within communities.

After five years, the committee has expanded to include ten institutions: Tennessee State University, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Alabama A&M University, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Kentucky State University, North Carolina A&T University, Tuskegee University, Florida A&M University, Southern University and A&M College, and South Carolina State University.

We aspire to include all 19 1890 land-grant universities on the committee.

Walk Across the 1890s

"Walk Across the 1890s” is a 10-week pre-conference event that encourages participants to be active and to move more! Individuals or teams were encouraged to walk 1290 miles, which is the equivalent of walking the distance between the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Tennessee State University, and Alabama A&M University over ten weeks.

Virtual Lightning Talks

During each day of the conference, Virtual Lightning Talk presentations will be featured. The lightning talks aim to highlight innovative and creative work within the 1890 institutions, as well as to improve food access in underserved communities and promote healthy food systems nationwide.

Extended Reach Initiative

The Extended Reach Community of Practice was introduced and launched during the 1st Annual 1890s Multi-State Community Nutrition Education Conference. This initiative was created to facilitate the sharing of ideas, projects, and stories among extension programs. This virtual Community of Practice allows individuals to showcase the wonderful ways they are making a difference in their communities.

Mission of the 1890s Multi-State Conference

The 1890s Multi-State Community Nutrition Education Conference focuses on fostering relationships, opportunities, and programs within communities while emphasizing collaboration among the universities.

This conference aims to offer creative and innovative resources for recruiting and engaging with diverse partnerships. Additionally, it will provide professional development opportunities for all paraprofessionals, agents, educators, and public health professionals. Ultimately, the conference seeks to establish sustainable multistate partnerships, strengthen program connections, and enhance communication with communities.

Objectives

• Build sustainable partnerships, enhance program connections, and improve communication with communities.

• Provide creative and innovative resources for food access in the community and establish a food council board.

$8162

In total has been raised during the 1890s Multi-State Conference.

Past donation recipients: Mid-South Food Bank of Memphis, TN, Food Bank of North Alabama, First Ward Living Grace Food Pantry in Arkansas, and Seton Center- Catholic Charities of Maryland.

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