EFNEP
The Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program(EFNEP) is designed to assist limited resource families in acquiring the knowledge, skills, attitudes and changed behavior necessary for nutritionally sound diets, and to contribute to their personal development and improvement of the total family's diet and nutritional well-being. The program currently operates in all 50 states including American Samoa, Guam, Micronesia, Northern Marianas, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Adult EFNEP
Through an experiential learning process, adult program participants learn how to
make food choices to improve the nutritional quality of the meals they serve their
families. They increase their ability to select and buy food that meets the nutritional
needs of their family. They gain new skills in food production, preparation, storage,
safety and sanitation, and they learn to better manage their food budgets and related
resources such as Food Stamps. EFNEP is delivered as a series of 10-12 or more lessons,
often over several months, by paraprofessionals and volunteers. The hands-on, learn-by-doing
approach allows the participants to gain the practical skills necessary to make positive
behavior changes. Through EFNEP, participants learn self-worth that they have something
to offer their families and society.
Youth EFNEP
The delivery of EFNEP youth programs takes on various forms. EFNEP provides nutrition
education at schools as an enrichment of the curriculum, in after-school care programs
and through 4-H EFNEP clubs, day camps, residential camps, community centers, neighborhood
groups, and home gardening workshops. In addition to lessons on nutrition, food preparation,
and food safety, youth topics may also include fitness, avoidance of substance abuse,
and other health-related topics.
Program Delivery
Extension nutrition specialists provide on-the-job training and supervise paraprofessionals
and volunteers who teach EFNEP. Paraprofessionals usually live in the communities
where they work. They recruit families and receive referrals from neighborhood contacts
and community agencies (such as Food Stamps and WIC). Methods for program delivery
may include direct teaching in group or one-to-one situations; mailings and telephone
teaching to complement other teaching methods; mass media efforts to develop understanding,
awareness, and involvement in the educational program; and development and training
of volunteers to assist with direct teaching of adults and youth.