Project Plans FY09

Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

Project Leader: Lisa Sullivan-Werner

Project Year: 2009

Brief Description 

Rates of obesity and poor nutrition continue to increase for both adults and children in the United States. This is especially prevalent among low-income populations, as parents frequently turn to calorie-dense but low-nutrient foods when family food resources are limited. Eating habits that are formed during childhood are critically important as the lay the groundwork for future patterns that can affect lifelong health. Families need guidance to get the most nutrition from their limited resources in order for their children to grow and thrive.

The Massachusetts Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is part of a national effort to improve the nutrition and health of low-income families with young children. The program identifies individuals from target communities who are recruited and trained to deliver nutrition education to small groups of families for 2 to 4 months. Educators teach with a special understanding of the lifestyles, food-ways, and challenges that families face and in a language they understand. Project staff use a creative curriculum that engages participants in group discussions, cooking demonstrations, food tasting, music, fun physical activities, and other hands-on learning. Staff are based at UMass Amherst and in five field offices across the state (Brockton, Fall River, Lawrence, Springfield, and Worcester).

Activities

• Workshop Series
• Farmers Market Demonstrations

Inputs: Time and Effort

Outcomes:

This Project will document progress towards the following:

• EFNEP Adult participants will improve food handling behaviors to control food safety risks and hazards in all steps from food purchasing to food consumption.
• EFNEP Adult participants will improve food resource management behaviors to make the most of their food purchasing resources.
• EFNEP Adult participants will improve meal planning and preparation behaviors to reduce risk of obesity and chronic disease.
• EFNEP Adult participants will improve physical activity behaviors to reduce risk of obesity and chronic disease

This project is a part of the Nutrition Education Program