Community Nutrition Adviser Heather Berkoben supports school districts by providing expertise, resources and strategies to build healthier school communities by building a culture of wellness, improving the cafeteria environment, encouraging students to choose and consume nutritious and locally sourced foods and including nutrition education in the classroom. Her goal is to help educators teach and empower students to have the knowledge and support to choose healthier food options and build lifelong healthy eating habits

A skilled health educator, Heather is passionate about wellness and disease prevention. Partnering with school administrators, educators, foodservice professionals and community educators, she works tirelessly to enhance school wellness and provide key gatekeepers with relevant, science-based nutrition resources to increase education opportunities for children and families to learn how to eat healthfully, an essential life skill that supports lifelong health. 

Heather earned a Bachelor of Science degree in health education from California State University, Chico so she could help individuals learn how to stay healthy and active daily. She enjoys tending to her vegetable garden, being active and cooking healthy meals for her family.

Heather can be reached at hberkoben@healthyeating.org.

The school cafeteria is an excellent opportunity to invite students to apply nutrition education strategies they learn in the classroom, and the ideal locale to encourage them to make healthier food choices and try new foods.