One of the main goals of the Indiana Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) is to improve translation of innovative ideas, methods and products related to health.  The Department of Food and Nutrition hosted a special Fast Track event on August 27 for its Corporate Affiliates. Connie Weaver, department head and Deputy Director of the Indiana CTSI was the convener for the day. 

Throughout the day, these partners learned about the infrastructure developed with the CTSI for accelerating clinical and translational research to food and nutrition industry problems. 

These include project development teams, pilot grants, research cores, toxicology screenings, formulations and cGMP manufacturing, as well as other methods and processes.   Those participating were able to tour Discovery Park and interact with members of the Purdue core facilities. 

The goal of the program was to explore ways in which CTSI infrastructure can address barriers to reaching the market place. 

For more information, contact Dr. Weaver, weavercm@purdue.edu

On September 17th, 2009 Food Finders Food Bank and Purdue Extension Tippecanoe County teamed together to present a workshop at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds to 107 staff members from food pantries in 15 counties. Family Nutrition Program (FNP) Assistants from these counties assisted by showcasing the 14 lessons from their curriculum to the attendees. The Tippecanoe County Extension Homemakers prepared lunch from a menu developed using foods commonly found in the commodities at the food bank.

The main idea behind the workshop was to reinforce the “Client Choice ” process as a means of serving pantry clients, gaining ideas on providing nutrition information for clients, and providing resources to clients while providing the environment that promotes the preservation of dignity for all involved.

Over 80% of the participants felt they had an educational experience, gained knowledge about poverty, and enjoyed sharing ideas with others who are having similar experiences. Over half of the participants stated they gained knowledge about Extension, Educators and the FNP Program. They will be calling the offices to ask for programs and assistance. Best of all, 70% are going to make strides to becoming a “Client Choice ” pantry.   For more information contact Kathy Murray, murrayk@purdue.edu.

Resources about the "Client Choice" process, including training video and print materials are available from the Indiana's Food for the Hungry program. http://www.cfs.purdue.edu/safefood/sfhungry.asp  

People of all ages will put on their walking shoes as 34 counties host Walks Across Indiana activities co-sponsored by the Purdue University Extension Service.

Walks Across Indiana is a program in partnership with county health departments and INShape Indiana that stresses the importance of physical activities in people's daily lives, said Karen Zotz, Purdue Extension's Consumer and Family Sciences program director.

Walking is a type of exercise appropriate for people of all ages and can be done outside, or inside at a mall or school gyms, she said.

Events throughout the state will include organized walks to show people how simple exercising through walking is. The activities also will show the best ways to keep track of workouts and progress. "Besides getting a chance to get out and exercise, participants in the walks will get a chance to learn more about local programs on nutrition and obesity awareness from their local Extension educators," Zotz said.

The 2009 list of county walks can be found at: www.cfs.purdue.edu/extension/documents/2009_INwalks.pdf or for more information about the county walking programs, contact the CFS Extension office or Zotz at (765) 494-8252, kzotz@purdue.edu.