Elena L. Serrano

Elena L. Serrano is an Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, & Exercise, at Virginia Tech. Her research has focused on identifying contributors and possible solutions to address childhood obesity. Her studies have included the examination of the nutritional quality of children’s menus at restaurants and packed school lunches, as well as the development of numerous community-based initiatives, such as farm-to-preschool delivery programs and school-based initiatives. Her research has been published in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Childhood Obesity, and the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. She currently serves as the Director of the Virginia Family Nutrition Program, aimed at promoting healthy eating among SNAP-eligible audiences throughout Virginia. She has created numerous publications and reports for lay audiences, legislators, and other key stakeholders and has presented to a wide range of groups, including the Virginia General Assembly.