Dorothy A. Elder

Dorothy(Dottie) Elder provides research-based nutrition education to low income audiences in Bedford and Blair Counties. Her educational programs help individuals, families, and youth with limited resources enhance their nutrition, increase their physical activity and develop life skills needed for self-sufficiency and better health. The classes are provided at no cost to eligible participants at housing developments, food pantries, Career Links, and other human service agencies reaching the low-income audience. Youth programs are conducted in schools, after school settings, day camps and at summer feeding sites. Classes include hands-on activities and cooking demonstrations to enhance the learning process. The content promotes USDA’s My Plate and aligns with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

One of the main goals is to help participants better manage the resources available to them, such as SNAP benefits, the WIC food package, and items from local food pantries.


As part of Penn State Extension Nutrition Links, Dottie is helping improve the quality of life for our most vulnerable citizens in Pennsylvania.