It has been a busy 2021 for Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program’s (EFNEP) community nutrition educators filled with challenges from the pandemic. As situations change rapidly, educators pivot. Looking back to Spring, a partnership for the women of Richfield showcases the creativity and dedication of EFNEP in the twin cities.
A typical Mother’s Day would consist of family gatherings and a cake for celebration. That was not the case for the community of Richfield. This year, MIRA, a community resource center, coordinated their 5th Annual Women’s Day in Richfield, Minnesota with an event that celebrated all women and the importance of healthy eating. The event was open to all women, many of whom were Spanish speakers. Leading the charge for the food demonstration and recipes was EFNEP's very own community nutrition educator, Roberto Martinez.
“We are pleased to work with MIRA and Yacaira Rodriguez. EFNEP’s presence has strengthened visibly in the Richfield community these past four years because of this partnership.”
The theme of the day was about healthy eating and involved a recipe that took food preferences and allergies into account. To produce a demonstration for over 40 attendees and their families, communication and coordination was key. Hennepin county provided funding for the food, Extension/EFNEP provided the staff and Richfield Police hosted an information table, security presence and also contributed to the purchase of ingredients for the recipe. In order to adhere to Extension’s protocols regarding food demonstrations during the pandemic, Roberto and MIRA staff coordinated multiple food demo tables fifteen minute workshops — five minutes each dedicated to prepping, cooking and eating. The goal was getting to know EFNEP’s program and promoting their healthy seven week series. Learn more about EFNEP and check out their wonderful community nutrition educators and sign up for their healthy seven week series.
EFNEP community nutrition educators deliver a series of hands-on, interactive lessons to low-income families. Lessons are evidence-based and tailored to the needs of the audience. This education helps families develop skills, attitudes, and behaviors necessary to maintain a healthy diet and stay physically active. In Minnesota, EFNEP is administered through University of Minnesota Extension Center for Family Development.