Valeria Menza

Specialist and researcher in child food security, nutrition and health assessment and nutrition education, with over 25 years of international experience, including 22 years in the Nutrition Division of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Experienced in quantitative and qualitative research; project formulation, implementation and evaluation; regional, national and community training workshops; and development of educational, training and advocacy resources. Broad collaboration with other UN agencies, international organizations and international and national NGOs. Wide range of expertise in activities, programmes and strategies to protect, improve and promote health, food security and nutritional well-being in developing countries. Publications, training and educational materials for governments, health and nutrition professionals, field workers, the general public, educators and youth, schools, community radio and interactive web sites. Increasing area of emphasis is in developing integrated multi-sectoral approaches to delivering school-based food, health, and nutrition programmes, recognizing children as a priority for interventions that improve their physical and cognitive development and life skills. Key areas of expertise • Assessment, analysis and monitoring of nutritional status and food security • Formulation of strategies, programmes and projects to improve nutrition and food security • Development of educational and training materials on nutrition, healthy diets and food security • School-based activities and curriculum development in food, health and nutrition