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    About EFNEP in Miami Dade

    Miami-Dade County, with 2.70 million residents, has a varied population that includes a significant number of immigrants, primarily Hispanics or Latinos (70%) and Haitians. A large portion of the community (75%) speaks a language other than English at home, indicating a need for bilingual nutrition educators from the community. Health challenges are prevalent, with 10% of adults having diabetes, 29% with high blood pressure, 27% with high cholesterol, and 62% experiencing overweight or obesity. Additionally, 31% of families live below 200% of the poverty level. The EFNEP program is crucial in providing education on healthy eating and overall wellness to these families.

    Program Outcomes

    To address the health and socioeconomic challenges in Miami-Dade County, the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) can implement a comprehensive solution that includes bilingual nutrition education, community outreach, and a tailored curriculum. Practical workshops on cooking nutritious meals on a budget, support groups, and resource distribution in multiple languages are essential components. Regular evaluation and feedback will ensure continuous improvement. These strategies will help residents improve their health and well-being.

    Program Offered

     

    • Adult Programing

      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.

    County's Impact 2023

    • Miami-Dade Impact Report 2023

    Contact

    • Phone: (786) 391-0539
    • Website:
      http://miami-dade.ifas.ufl.edu
    • Address:
      14400 NW 77th Ct., Suite 106, Miami Lakes, FL 33016
    • Email:
      jessicaalfonso@ufl.edu

    Resources

    • EFNEP Preparedness and Resiliency Cookbook (English)
    • EFNEP Preparedness and Resiliency Cookbook (Spanish)


    MEET MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

     

    Woman smilingJessica Alfonso, MS, RDN, LDN
    Extension Agent I/EFNEP Supervisor, Miami-Dade County

    Jessica joined EFNEP in November 2021. Jessica completed her BS and MS in Dietetics & Nutrition at Florida International University. She completed her dietetic internship at Florida International University, which included clinical and food service rotations at Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center. Her work background is predominantly in community nutrition, which includes Miami-Dade County Public Schools Department of Food & Nutrition, Head Start, and Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.

    Email: jessicaalfonso@ufl.edu

     

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    UF/IFAS Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)
    2046 NE Waldo Road, Suite 3156, Room 3116, PO Box 110320, Gainesville, FL 32609
    (352) 273-3547

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