Paula Norris

As the Regional Nutrition Extension Associate (RNEA) for the North and South Central District, I represent both the EFNEP state office and the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences. I work closely with County Extension Directors (CEDs) to hire, evaluate, and support EFNEP educators, providing onboarding, training, and feedback to enhance teaching and outcomes. I clarify EFNEP policies and reporting requirements, and I assist county Extension agents with EFNEP-related Policy, Systems, and Environmental (PSE) initiatives. I promote communication by sharing priorities and updates with counties and conveying local needs and successes to the EFNEP state office. Additionally, I ensure program fidelity while encouraging collaboration that broadens reach and impact, helping limited-resource families and youth develop practical skills to plan, shop, fix, and eat healthy foods, thereby reducing their risk of chronic disease. My content area expertise is in delivering culturally resonant programming aligned to the unique socio-economic needs of populations within urban environments. The EFNEP counties in my region are Wake, Durham, Alamance, Guilford, Forsyth, Mecklenburg, Gaston, Cabarrus, and Hoke. My duty station is in Durham County.