Ideas for Cooking and Nutrition (ICAN) is a federally-funded Program managed through the NMSU Cooperative Extension Service. ICAN is the umbrella name for two similar programs that are administered in Bernalillo County. Both programs provide a free educational service for families, individuals, or seniors on a limited income. Classes are "hands-on" and taught by paraprofessional Nutrition Educators, who come from the communities we serve.

I CAN participants learn:

• how to plan and prepare nutritious meals using foods that are easily available,
• to develop healthier eating habits,
• how to incorporate physical activity each day,
• how to shop for and prepare nutritious foods in a way that stretches food dollars,
• and how put basic food safety principles to work in their kitchens to protect their family from food-borne illness.

ICAN classes are for adults or youth in group settings. To bring ICAN Classes to your school, organization or worksite; or if you would like more information about the Bernalillo County ICAN Program, contact Donna.

Click here to learn more about the statewide NMSU ICAN program.

Meet Our ICAN Nutrition Education Team

Donna Sauter, ICAN Home Economist

Monica Holguin, Administrative Assistant Check back soon for photos of our Nutrition Educators!

Register For A Class

Our classes are free and open to qualified families, individuals and seniors only.

To qualify, you must:

• be eligible for or receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and
• be a Bernalillo County resident.

To register, please:

• review our calendar on this page,
• choose one or more dates that will work for you, and then
• contact us.

Classoom Resources: Donna's Picks

TEACHERS! Check out our ICAN Coordinator's favorite classroom resources!

• USDA My Plate Information
• 10 Tips Nutrition Education Series
• 10 Tips Nutrition Education Series - En Espanol
• Food Safety/Fight BAC! Resources

Click here to learn more about Donna Sauter.

ICAN in Action

Every student at Chaparral Elementary School in Albuquerque proudly received a certificate from the ICAN program this year! Read more. They are among the 2,000 students in Albuquerque and 15,200 students across the state this year who have completed the nutrition program from New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service nutrition educators. See video.

Contact Us

Donna Sauter, M.S., R.D., L.D.
Bernalillo County Cooperative Extension Service
1510 Menaul Blvd., NW
Albuquerque, NM 87107
Phone: 505-243-1386
Email: sauter@nmsu.edu