Virginia Stage

Virginia C. Stage is an Associate Professor, Nutrition Education & Behavior Extension Specialist, Registered Dietitian, and Director of the FEEd (Feeding & Eating Education) Lab at NC State University. Her work focuses on helping young children build healthy relationships with food by integrating nutrition into everyday learning experiences. Dr. Stage is nationally recognized for developing practical, evidence-based programs that connect food, science, and early learning, particularly in lower-resourced communities. Her signature program, More PEAS Please!, has supported educators across North Carolina and beyond in using hands-on, food-based activities to improve children’s nutrition, language, and science learning. Building on this work, she leads PEAS on My Plate, an innovative approach that uses play-based, sensory-rich experiences to help children explore food in ways that feel safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate, especially for those who are cautious or selective eaters. Through partnerships with educators, families, and Extension professionals, Dr. Stage’s work translates research into practical strategies that support children’s learning, confidence, and lifelong well-being. She partners with Extension Agents and community organizations to adapt, implement, and scale these programs to meet local needs.