Davis, CA (MPG) - David Ginsburg, director of the UC CalFresh Nutrition Education Program, will be honored October 2nd with an Award of Distinction from the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

The award is presented annually during a “College Celebration” event to honor those whose contributions and achievements enhance the college’s ability to provide cutting-edge research, top-notch teaching, and innovative outreach. Ginsburg is being acknowledged for his exceptional work as a member of the college staff.

“David Ginsburg joined the UC CalFresh Nutrition Education Program as state office director in a time of crisis,” said Lovell (Tu) Jarvis, a professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics. “His excellent leadership saved the program, and he then led it through substantial expansion to the benefit of hundreds of thousands of low-income California children and their parents.”

A large program in the college, UC CalFresh implements the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed). Its main goal is to improve the diet and nutrition-related skills of CalFresh recipients and their families. In 2008, Ginsburg stepped in when the program was facing major administrative challenges.

He provided the oversight and guidance that improved operations with the adoption of transparent procedures and protocols. As a result, program funding has doubled and services have expanded. In partnership with more than 30 UC Cooperative Extension county offices, the UC CalFresh program annually reaches more than 150,000 California residents.

Ginsburg’s leadership abilities have also been evident on the national level. Through his efforts, working relationships with federal agencies have greatly improved. Further, he led efforts among partnering organizations to advocate for needed policy changes.

Ginsburg previously worked on other life-changing programs at the California Public Health Department, American Cancer Society, and with Migrant Education.

Source: John Stumbos