Lily Magnotta, JSY Nutrition Educator
Hello everyone! My name is Lily Magnotta. I am the Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables Nutrition Educator for the Regional Food Bank. I have a deep passion for cooking, nutrition, and helping the well-being of others. During my free time I enjoy staying active, reading, and spending time with friends, family, and my chihuahua, Rosie! In my role at the Food Bank, I provide nutrition education to SNAP-eligible adults through classes that feature food demonstrations to taste, fun interactive lessons, and free produce and incentives to take home. My goal as a Nutrition Educator is to improve nutritional knowledge and support others in making healthier choices. I look forward to using this platform to share delicious recipes and valuable nutrition information through a variety of media, including photos, videos, and flyers!
To me, ‘Food connects us’ means that food plays a powerful role in bringing people together. It’s more than just nourishment for our bodies. It unites families and friends while linking cultures and traditions, creating a sense of community and belonging. Through food, we all create memories, bonds, and experiences that help us feel connected to one another!
Fun fact: I love going to concerts and have attended 6 over the last year!
Claudia Fountain, JSY Nutrition Educator
Hello! My name is Claudia Fountain, I am the new Just Say Yes to Fruit and Vegetables Nutrition Educator at the Regional Food Bank of NENY. I am a health and wellness minded individual who enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, running, and cooking! It is my goal to share and expand my knowledge of healthy eating and to help spread the mission of the Regional Food Bank
As a JSY Nutrition Educator, this year’s theme of “Food Connects Us” deeply speaks to me, as food is not only fuel for the body but can serve as a powerful connection between people and their communities. In my everyday work, I strive to highlight how the foods we eat reflect our traditions, values, and relationships. Food acts as a link to understanding diverse diets, traditions and health practices which empowers people to make informed decisions to best support their own well-being. The theme of “Food Connects Us” is a positive reminder to serve my community as not only an educator, but also as a bridge to building stronger and healthier relationships between food and ourselves.
Fun Fact: I’m training for my first marathon in April!