Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program strengthens families with hands-on education

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2025, Delaware, Extension, Food Safety, Food Security, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Missouri, Nevada, North Central, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Public Health, Southern, University of Delaware, University of Missouri, University of Nevada Reno, Western

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) strengthens families by providing hands-on nutrition education to those with limited resources. Through practical lessons in healthy eating, meal planning, food budgeting and physical activity, EFNEP helps families develop lifelong skills that improve their overall well-being. As families adopt healthier lifestyles, they reduce their risk of chronic diseases and food insecurity. EFNEP creates lasting, positive change, empowering families to build a healthier future together.

Here are a few examples of that work:

By participating in EFNEP activities in Nevada, 219 adults, 1,174 youths, and 695 additional family members saw significant improvements, with 98% of adults and 89% of youths enhancing diet quality. Participating adults also save an average of $44.35 per month on food.
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension System; USDA Capacity – Research. See full statement.
Delaware’s Eating Smart and Moving More program had 295 participants. Of these, 94% improved diet quality, 72% enhanced food safety practices, and 61% increased physical activity. Participants reported making healthier choices, like swapping sugary cereals for oatmeal pancakes and cutting back on high-fat foods, demonstrating meaningful behavior changes for better well-being.
University of Delaware Cooperative Extension System; Smith Lever 3d (EFNEP). See full statement.
The EFNEP program in Oklahoma educated 12,810 participants. As a result, 88% of adult graduates improved their diet quality and food resource management skills, while 81% of youth participants enhanced their ability to choose healthy foods, demonstrating significant impact on promoting healthier lifestyles in low-income communities.
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service; Smith Lever 3d (EFNEP). See full statement.
Missouri 4-H and EFNEP partnered to expand nutrition education through 4-H Student Nutrition Advisory Committee (SNAC) Clubs. SNAC Clubs empowered youths with leadership, nutrition education and health advocacy projects. The program has served 2,543 youths in 123 clubs with a 96% graduation rate. Youth-led initiatives have expanded beyond nutrition, driving school and community health improvements like water stations and walking trails.
University of Missouri Extension; Smith Lever 3d (EFNEP). See full statement.