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After more than 30 years of service to Pennsylvania's low-income populations, the state's EFNEP program recently got a well-deserved "pat on the back" in the form of a commendation from former Governor Tom Ridge. And the recognition has inspired continued service from an organization that prides itself on reaching the state's most financially challenged residents with a message of making the most of available resources. The gubernatorial commendation notes the program "seeks to meet the needs of Pennsylvania's low-income families through educational efforts focused on the acquisition of the knowledge [and] skills needed to improve their diets and health ... EFNEP embodies the true spirit of community outreach, utilizing research-based curriculum and hands-on activities in cooperation with other state and community agencies." This praise is a far cry from the agency's humble beginnings in 1969. As one of the first states to institute what was then a pilot program in a few counties, EFNEP's earliest days were plagued by a lack of recognition. "The original intention, 30 years ago, was that EFNEP would be the nutrition-education arm of the Food Stamp program," according to Judith Heald, former EFNEP program manager. "But our first challenge was to get people in state and federal government to see the need for EFNEP. In fact, for many years, just getting our brochures in food stamp offices met with opposition." Despite the opposition, EFNEP persevered in providing nutrition education to families at or near the poverty level, starting with door-to-door visits to low-income neighborhoods. Adapting to changing social influences, nutrition advisors expanded to offer education from churches, community centers, welfare offices and other sites. Since 1969, EFNEP has reached more than 198,959 homemakers and 426,543 youth. Forty percent of clients were from the state's ethnic minority populations, and 74 percent of families had children.
Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture's policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs or disability.To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider.This publication is available in alternative media on request
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