Growing goodness... It all started with a seed; Ginger’s SNAP-Ed journey-- Part III

I’ve been blessed beyond measure to serve the community that helped raise me, to give back to the school that gave me so much, learn how much good other schools have to offer, re-establish roots in a county I love and to help guide the next generation toward healthier and sustainable futures.
SNAP-Ed has allowed me to turn a personal passion into a purpose, and I’m honored to be part of something that allows me to make a difference for others and give God the Glory for it.
Within Extension, we have so many different program areas that offer assistance to the public. We are service-oriented. I love the opportunity to serve others.
During my time as a SNAP-Ed Educator, there were a couple of opportunities that opened up in which I thought I would have a better opportunity to serve, as well as have personal growth within Extension. I interviewed for both positions, but did not get either of them.
I am a firm believer the best person for the job is who should get it. If you truly want what’s best for the organization, that’s what we should all hope for. As far as locally, within Extension and not having to move to another area, both of those positions would have been the highest I could have gone at a local level. When neither panned out, I kept on keeping on. I believe in blooming where you are planted, and at that moment, I was still planted in SNAP-Ed.  
In 2023, an opportunity was presented that was a dream come true. There was a goal to hire 10 regional extension agents in SNAP-Ed across the state. One of those 10 positions was in the northwest set, now region.
These positions required you to have your masters degree or agree to get your masters within five years after your hire date. Remember, when I moved back and was looking for a job with insurance? Well, in my interview, Dr. Sondra Parmer, Extension specialist, jokingly asked if I wanted the REA position to have insurance.
My reply, with a large laugh, was “Oh, no ma’am! I want this position because at the age of 51, all I really want to do in life is get my masters.” It gave everyone in the room a good chuckle. Life is better when you can smile and laugh.
I was one of the first six hired across the state in the REA position.  Even though it was in SNAP-Ed, priorities shifted a little. I finished out my Body Quest classes and started summer programs, business as usual, and added  more time to PSE (Policy, System & Environmental) efforts, as well as research and professional development.  
That summer, Josh Berryhill was hired as the new SNAP-Ed educator. His primary focus would be the education component of SNAP-Ed with some PSE efforts. My focus became providing education to lead to a policy, system or environmental change or education for a group in which a PSE was taking place, as well as research. This has been a great experience! We were able to plan and host an Ag Expo for Marion County sophomores, an Outdoor and Garden Expo in conjunction with Move Alabama, STEM in the Garden and grant workshops.  
Each morning, I begin my day with devotion and reflection, asking, “What can I do today to serve God by serving others?” I consider it a true blessing to have a career that allows me to live out that purpose. SNAP-Ed has given me the chance to think creatively and work toward meaningful policy, system and environmental changes that truly make a difference in people’s lives.
There’s something magical about being part of a program that not only educates but empowers—offering individuals and families the tools, knowledge and support they need to make healthier choices. And it’s not just about information; it’s about opportunity, encouragement and community.
I hope those I’ve had the privilege of crossing paths with—students, parents, teachers and community partners—have felt the impact of what we’ve worked so hard to share. The seeds we've planted, both in the garden and in the lives we’ve touched, are beginning to bear fruit. The harvest is here.
My SNAP-Ed journey has truly been one for the books—and I’m thankful every day to be part of it. With each class taught and each change made, I thank you for being a part of this journey, too.
I give God the Glory for each school, student, community, partner and person HE has allowed in this chapter of life to make a difference for others. Thank you for being that person in this journey with me. You and this journey have been among the greatest of blessings in my life.
Thank you for being a part of my story!
(Editor’s note: For more information about SNAP-Ed, please follow the Live Well Alabama, Alabama Extension, Marion County-Alabama Extension Office and Walker County-Alabama Extension Facebook pages. You can also reach out to Ginger at 205-921-3551 or through her email at gne0001@auburn.edu. Readers are also invited to share the impact of SNAP-Ed in their communities by visiting aces.edu/go/5111. Have you seen the impact of SNAP-Ed in your community? Whether it's learning new recipes, making healthier choices or getting active with your kids — we want to hear from YOU! The Association of SNAP Nutrition Education Administrators is collecting stories from people just like you who have experienced the benefits of SNAP-Ed.)