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What is EFNEP?

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is a free nutrition education program for limited resource 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
  • Who can attend an EFNEP class?

    Adults

    EFNEP focuses on limited-resource families, with an emphasis on parents and other adult caregivers who have primary responsibility for feeding young children. 

    If you have children and are eligible for public assistance programs, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (food stamps), WIC, Head Start, or have children who get free and reduced lunch,  for EFNEP adult programming near you.

    Youth

    Youth programs include children 5-18 years and pregnant teens at eligible community sites.  for EFNEP youth programming near you.

  • What does an EFNEP class look like?

    Adults

    EFNEP offers adult programs, typically nine sessions long and held in a community setting.

    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.

    All EFNEP classes include interactive food demonstrations of easy and delicious recipes. Also, each lesson comes with a lesson enhancement and a tool designed to help participants adopt a healthy lifestyle.

    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.