Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP): An Update

In 2012, the Dalton-Whitfield Archway Partnership facilitated bringing the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education program, administered locally by Whitfield County’s Cooperative Extension Office, to Whitfield County to help families prepare fast, healthy meals on a budget.  The program uses a series of six 1 hour sessions geared toward improving a family’s diet and nutrition practices, stretching their food supply longer, and handling food more safely.  Those who complete all six sessions receive a cookbook and a certificate. In FY 2013, Whitfield County Cooperative Extension EFNEP reached 97 participants directly and 402 family members indirectly. After completing the EFNEP program:

·   96.7% of EFNEP graduates had a positive change in any food group (fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, dairy, and oils).

·   53% of EFNEP graduates more often planned meals in advance.

·   24% more often followed the recommended practices of not allowing meat and dairy foods to sit out for more than two hours. Furthermore, 50% always follow the recommended practice.

The program is free of charge to participants.  The target audience for the program is any caregiver (parents/foster parents/grandparents etc.) with school age children who receive public assistance (i.e. SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, TANF, and free or reduced lunch). The program can, however, accommodate families who do not receive public assistance as EFNEP’s goal is to reach as many families as possible.   

If your organization would like to host the EFNEP program, please contact Brooke Walker at 706.278.8207 or brooke1@uga.edu.  To conduct an EFNEP session, all that’s necessary is a room with electricity.  All meals are cooked on an electric skillet.

Click here to learn more about the Dalton-Whitfield Archway Partnership’s facilitation efforts with the EFNEP.