For over 37 years, the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) has helped children, youth and families with young children attain healthy eating and lifestyle practices. This Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension program delivers research-based information and education in the home, the classroom, and community group settings to help Pennsylvanians make better nutrition and health decisions. The results are strong, nurturing families; healthy, thriving children; and positive youth development.

EFNEP is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service (CSREES).

More About EFNEP

Nutrition Education Programs cover topics from the importance of eating breakfast, to what foods are "good" foods and why, how to stretch food dollars, and how to cook with whatever food is on hand.

The programs provide lessons, displays, newsletters, handouts and other activities designed for a variety of audiences - parents and kids, pregnant teens, and immigrant populations. Nutrition Education Programs take into account variables such as age, culture, reading ability, physical or developmental limitations, and more.

Nutrition Education Programs classes are offered in a wide variety of community settings, including food shelves, WIC clinics, senior citizen centers, day care centers, shelters, migrant centers, summer camps, low income housing, and local grocery stores. We are willing to go to virtually any site accessible to people who want and need the information.

In many areas, Nutrition Education Programs also offer one-on-one, hands-on, coaching in people's homes, showing families how to plan and prepare meals on a limited budget.

More than 37 years of University experience with nutrition education and research has demonstrated that families who learn how to control their diets and food budgets often begin taking control of all other aspects of their lives. For many families, participating in the Nutrition Education Programs will provide an important first step on the road to self-sufficiency.

Additional details on EFNEP and its impacts can be found in the EFNEP Fact Sheet 2008 (Adobe Acrobat format).

For More Information

For more information about Penn State Nutrition Links programs, contact your county Cooperative Extension Office or:

Penn State Cooperative Extension
208 Special Services Building
University Park, PA 16802
 
Call toll-free 1-800-PSU-3535

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.

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