Mary Reistetter Ehret, M.S.,R.D.,L.D.N.

Nutrition Links Supervisor

Mary serves as a Regional Coordinator for the Nutrition Links program funded by the federal Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed). She is responsible for supervising Nutrition Education Advisers, developing community partnerships, maintaining program integrity, and fiscal management. Nutrition Education Advisers (NEAs) provide research-based nutrition education to low-income audiences. Nutrition Links educational programs help eligible adults and youth with limited resources improve their health through better eating habits and physical activity as well as helping to stretch food dollars. The classes are provided at no cost to eligible participants at housing developments, food pantries, Career Links, and other human service agencies reaching the low-income audience. Youth programs are conducted in schools, after-school settings, day camps, and at summer feeding sites. Classes include hands-on activities and cooking demonstrations to enhance the learning process. The content promotes USDA's MyPlate and aligns with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. One of the main goals is to help participants better manage the resources available to them, such as SNAP benefits, the WIC food package, and items from local food pantries. As part of Penn State Extension Nutrition Links, Mary is helping improve the quality of life for our most vulnerable citizens in Pennsylvania. 

Prior to joining Extension, Mary received her B.S. in Dietetics from the State University of Oneonta, New York, her Master in Nutrition from Marywood University, Scranton, Pennsylvania where she also received her Dietetic Registration. She has obtained her Pennsylvania license and is a Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist.