Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is a United States Department of Agriculture funded program that successfully addresses critical societal concerns by employing peer educators.  EFNEP positively influences nutrition and physical activity behaviors of low-income caregivers of children, and of youth attending schools with the highest free and reduced lunch rates.  

The EFNEP educators, called Community Nutrition Educators (CNEs), 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 the University of Minnesota Extension Center for Family Development.

How does EFNEP work at the University of Minnesota?

University of Minnesota’s EFNEP team builds relationships with community agencies and community members to deliver practical direct education. Engaging programs are provided either one-to-one or to groups.

CNEs teach in a variety of settings, such as food shelves, schools, income-based housing complexes, and community centers. Classes are taught in a variety of languages throughout Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, and Dakota counties. The EFNEP Community Nutrition Educators (CNEs) come from the neighborhoods served by this program, and have familiarity with their fellow communities which makes them thoughtful and knowledgeable peer educators.

Annual data confirms that graduates from EFNEP programs:

• Choose healthier food. 88 percent read nutrition labels and make healthier food choices.
• Eat healthier foods. 92 percent eat more fruits and vegetables — on average, 1.4 more servings per day.
• Stretch their food dollars. 83 percent take steps to better manage their food budget, such as planning meals and shopping with a grocery list.
• Handle food more safely. 66 percent are more likely to follow food safety practices, such as storing and thawing food properly.
• Increase their physical activity. 40 percent are more likely to engage in at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity.