HCCA names two to Food Systems team

GARDINER – Healthy Communities of the Capital Area has named Courtney Whitney as SNAP-Ed nutrition educator and Shelley Lewton as communications and events coordinator.
Whitney will be responsible for teaching SNAP-Ed nutrition education curricula across all age groups, as well as planning and implementing policy, systems, and environmental change strategies within the community. She has a background in nutrition and wellness, a bachelor’s degree in community health education, and experience working with diverse communities.
Lewton will manage communications and event planning for HCCA’s food systems work as home to the Maine Farm to Institution and Maine Farm and Sea to School networks, as well as other healthy eating and active living communications. She has a background in agriculture and food systems, a bachelor’s in communication studies and experience working as a farmer, educator, and advocate.
“With the high rates of diet-related disease and food insecurity in Maine, we need to respond to our communities’ increased need for information and practical strategies to shop, cook, and eat on a budget, while supporting our local food supply chain,” said Renee Page, HCCA executive director. “Courtney and Shelley bring nutrition and food systems knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm for this work to the HCCA team.”
Healthy Communities of the Capital Area is a nonprofit organization of local people who work to improve the health and quality of life in Kennebec County. For more information, visit hccame.org.