Stephanie Bianco is the Director at California State University, Chico's Center for Healthy Communities (CHC), Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Science and a Registered Dietitian. Her areas of expertise are in program and organization management, nutrition education, food insecurity prevention and food safety training. Professor Bianco was instrumental in expanding the CalFresh program to assist economically disadvantaged, first generation EOP, foster youth, disabled and housing insecure students with the CalFresh application process. This program directly impacts tens of thousands of college students across the California State University, University of California, California Community Colleges and a private university, becoming a national model.
One of the primary reasons for CalFresh Outreach success statewide is CHC's student internship. This nationally recognized program provides students with work experience in their majors, units for those hours served, chance to apply for a paid position, and the opportunity to provide leadership and training to prospective interns. In addition, many of these undergraduate students conduct graduate research at and secured career employment opportunities. These students are not only obtaining para professional experiences, but are directly engaged in policy-driven activities, advocacy and empowering underserved communities. Stephanie values these internship experiences more than any information or skills obtained in a classroom because these internship experiences are life-changing and unforgettable.
