WSU
A Committed Partner
WSU Extension is a committed partner in Pierce County. With faculty-led programming in health and wellness, 4-H / positive youth development, agriculture and natural resources, we provide leadership in the urban Puget Sound, the state and the nation.
We bring the depth and expertise of Washington State University to Pierce County residents and organizations through:
- Applied research
- Capacity building
- Direct service programs
- Student learning opportunities
- 4-H
- SNAP
- Community Gardens & Master Gardeners
- Tech Wizards
- Nutrition.
For more information visit:
WSU Extension WebsiteThe WSU Pierce County Master Gardener Program trains volunteers as community educators to empower citizens to incorporate sustainable horticultural practices. These 345 volunteers contribute 24,450 hours of service in Pierce County annually. The Master Gardeners program provides assistance to 15 community / school gardens throughout the county and works with inmates of the Washington Corrections Center for Women to grow vegetables that supply the cafeteria.
The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Nutrition Education Program (SNAP Ed) are free and teach families how to eat healthy food and snacks, stretch their food budgets and develop healthier habits.
On the Road to Living Well with Diabetes is offered to Hispanic and Slavic communities. This program helps people take charge of their own care and management of diabetes.
The programs partner with the Tahoma Food Policy Council, Action Communities for Health, Innovation & Environmental Change School Nutrition Committee (ACHIEVE) and Community Partners for Diabetes Health.
Work in the community is supported by dietetic Interns from WSU, UW and SeaMar who complete Community Nutrition rotations. In addition, Public Health students receive 10 weeks of field work experience for UW Master’s.