Sixteen years ago, Sue Lafferty came through the door of CalFresh Healthy Living, University of California Cooperative Extension in Kings County to share her passion for nutrition education, gardening and youth education.
But her passions don’t stop there. As a dedicated and trusted member of the community, she adds an extra ingredient to the work. “I’m a loyalist," proclaimed Lafferty, “I love what I do!”
Lafferty retired July 1 as a UCCE community education specialist, and her passion will be missed.
“That’s what makes Sue an ideal partner for school district leaders and local organizations,” said Andra Nicoli from the CFHL, UC State Office. “I met Sue over 12 years ago. She is first and foremost a community-engaged collaborator. Her combined enthusiasm, nutrition and gardening knowledge, and people skills have contributed to building a strong program in Kings County that resonates authentically with partners and participants.”
As a volunteer 4-H leader with friend and colleague Denise Cuendett, Lafferty witnessed the value of starting young with health education. The move to an educator position with CalFresh Healthy Living, then called FSNEP, was quick and seamless.
“Sue’s exceptional dedication to the program’s mission has established her as a catalyst for change and an indispensable pillar of our program’s success,” said Teresa Spicer, CFHL, UCCE program supervisor in Kings and Tulare counties. “Over the years, her tireless efforts have driven tremendous impact and lasting change, leaving an indelible mark on our community.”
When asked about two accomplishments she’s particularly proud of, Lafferty was quick to respond. One was establishing and maintaining a 15-plus year relationship with Hanford Elementary School District, growing from direct education with the after-school program to adding Policy, Systems & Environmental strategies – including Smarter Lunchrooms Movement; School Wellness Policy; CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) and gardens throughout the district.
“The impact of our partnership over the last 15-plus years has been monumental,” said Jenn Bays, READY (recreation, enrichment and academics program) supervisor at Hanford Elementary School District. “Our students crave the experiences that Sue and her team bring to our programs – and grow under the relationships they build. The commitment to the students of Hanford is unmatched. We are so grateful and look forward to many more years of nutrition education with this amazing program.”
The other accomplishment Lafferty is proud of is bringing comprehensive programming to Lakeside Elementary School District through direct and indirect education, Smarter Lunchrooms Movement, School Wellness Policy, CATCH, gardens and working with collaborators to acquire a Community Partnership Grant for five years that helps sustain school priorities.
Although Lafferty is retiring, she will not be far away. She will be at Lakeside Elementary, a small school of 260 students in the farming community where she lives, tending to the 18 garden beds she has helped develop through the years. It’s a particularly special place as her now 40-year-old daughter was a Lakeside student.
“Thank you, Sue, for your spirited commitment to community service and our program,” Nicoli said. “We will miss you and your Active News Beet garden articles!”