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Extension Food and Nutrition Programs (EFNEP)
August 2009
Contact: Joanne Littlefield
Assistant Director-Community Relations
Phone: (970) 491-4640
Joanne.Littlefield@colostate.edu
To survive the economic downturn, many households have turned to the food stamps program for help. For recipients, eating healthy on a limited budget can seem impossible. With the right knowledge, you can learn to eat well for less.
Celebrating 40 years of food and nutrition education, the UDSA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) helps families with limited resources to make healthier choices.
Through CSREES funding, Colorado State University Extension offers free adult and youth classes through Extension Food and Nutrition Programs (EFNEP) on nutrition education and food safety.
EFNEP provide interactive adult classes on information from reading nutrition labels to developing food-buying skills. There is also opportunity for hands-on experience in preparing healthy foods using quick and easy recipes. In making healthier choices, it’s important to understand food safety. EFNEP teaches proper food safety practices around the kitchen.
Parents can become good role models by making healthier food choices with their children, so EFNEP offers fun-filled youth nutrition and food safety classes. Kids learn to change poor food choice habits by discovering alternative choices in nutrient-rich foods and snacks. Kids will also learn food safety principles to apply when helping parents prepare their favorite foods. Classes are held in Title-1 schools, Head Start centers, Boys and Girls Clubs, and other youth programs.
EFNEP graduate between 2,500 and 3,000 adults with limited resources per year. Graduates report eating a wider variety of foods and saving an average of $83 per month on their food bill. Of participants, 77 percent showed improvement in one or more practices to stretch their food dollars. Overall, graduates report feeling empowered to make healthier choices.
Adult classes are offered in over half of Colorado counties at convenient times and locations. For more information contact your county Extension office.
Updated Tuesday, September 13, 2011
