Where does MNN fit in the Michigan FSNE structure?

Three components make up the Michigan Plan of Work 

• MSUE county Family Nutrition Program
• Research and Pilot Component, often called “campus component”
• MNN

Does the funding that MNN partners receive reduce the amount of funding available for MSUE County Programs?

• Currently the program is totally based on the amount of match committed. The MNN partner funding does not reduce the MSUE county funding at all.

What is the MNN role in the USDA Collaborative Partners Funding Program?

• Process manager
• Compliance
• Evaluation and Program Improvement

Why can’t MNN just require that organizations that apply contract with MSUE county offices for all their nutrition education?

• Application requirements come from the USDA Guidance. The performance agreement is between the organization and the USDA… not the organization and MSUE

How is MNN funded?

• 25% of the match put up by USDA Collaborative Partners goes to MNN
• Just like County Programs, MNN has to submit a plan for how its funds will be used to the USDA. All MNN funds must be used in support of FSNE
• No state MSUE dollars go to MNN. In fact, MNN returns funding to assist MSUE in funding the Family Nutrition Program

Is MNN taking away match that should be MSUE county match?

• The organizations that apply have the right to use their match in whatever way they see is the best use for their organization. It is not MSUE match… it belongs to the organizations using it.
• In many cases the MNN partner projects are providing new opportunities for MSUE county programs to collaborate in nutrition education

What else does MNN do besides administer the USDA Collaborative Partners Funding Program? How does that help the counties?

• MNN’s Registered Dietitian:
  • Helped update the ERIB curriculum
  • Is assisting Pat Thurston with the update of the PA Training
  • Provides recipe nutrition analysis

• MNN staff is training county staff on the BodyWorks curriculum - a program designed to help parents and caregivers of young adolescent girls (ages 9 to 13) improve family eating and activity habits.
• MNN is currently implementing a plan to ensure that the Family Bookbag, Pre-school Bookbag, Fruit and Vegetable Bookbag, and Hispanic Family Bookbag continue to be available.
• MNN provides training and conferences to enhance professional development for all MSUE staff: the CHOICES Conference; “Plain Language” Conference; Motivational Interviewing and Stages of Change Training
• Develop and support social marketing campaigns. 2008 Grow Your Kids with Fruits and Veggies

Does MNN have any communication tools to help county staff keep up on activities?

• MNN News is an electronic newsletter sent to anyone who is interested. Contact Paul McConaughy to be added to the list.

Download the FAQ as a pdf file.