Healthy Lifestyle Initiative

Making the Healthy Choice the Easy Choice

Bill McKelvey

Extension Associate (Agriculture and Natural Resources)
Healthy Lifestyles Initiative
University of Missouri Extension
573-882-3273
mckelveywa@umsystem.edu

Years lived in Missouri: 33 years

Original Hometown: Kansas City, MO

Education:
BS, Biology, Missouri State University

MS, Rural Sociology, University of Missouri

Professional Background:

I have worked with University of Missouri Extension in a variety of settings for a total of five years.  Prior to joining the Healthy Lifestyle Initiative, I worked with the Community Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture program.  For three years, I worked with the Family Nutrition Education Program in Jackson County where I was responsible for program and curriculum development for the Eating from the Garden program, a nutrition and gardening education program for youth.    

Why I am passionate about my job:

I believe that everyone should have access to healthy, locally grown food.  This job gives me the opportunity to help make that happen.   

If I weren't doing this for a living:

I would be a gardening coach, providing advice about how to grow food to beginning gardeners.

What I do for fun:

I garden at home and at a community garden. 
 

Family:

I am married and have four cats.
 

Favorite places in Missouri:

Kansas City and the central Ozarks.