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What is EFNEP?
The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is a free nutrition education program for qualifying families. Since 1969, the University of Florida’s EFNEP has worked in local communities to teach participants skills and strategies to stretch their food dollars, eat nutritious meals, and improve their overall health.
EFNEP educators are members of the community who serve and teach participants how to improve their nutritional health and well-being. Through a series of hands-on and fun lessons, EFNEP participants learn about:
- Healthy Eating and Cooking For Less
- Saving Money at the Grocery Store
- Keeping Food Safe
- Being Active
- Cooking and Planning Meals
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Who can attend an EFNEP class?
Adults
EFNEP supports current and future parents or caregivers of children 18 years of age and younger who are eligible for any public assistance program.
If you have children and are eligible for public assistance programs, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps), WIC, Head Start, or have children who get free and reduced lunch.
Youth
Youth programs include children 5-18 years and pregnant teens at eligible community sites. for EFNEP youth programming near you.
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What does an EFNEP class look like?
Adults
Each program is a series of lessons taught in a group setting for about 60 to 90 minutes. Additional lessons on pregnancy and infant feeding are available upon request.
Adult programs incorporate relevant nutrition information to help families eat better food for less money. Small group sizes allow EFNEP educators to tailor each class for their audience. Participants connect with one another in hands-on activities and group discussion.
Youth
Children and teen programs are offered in collaboration with community groups and schools. Fun, hands-on and age-appropriate nutrition education opportunities are created throughout six sessions.