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. In Minnesota, EFNEP is administered through the University of Minnesota Extension Department of Family, Health and Wellbeing.
EFNEP health and wellness coordinators 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.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.
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.
HWCs 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 health and wellness coordinators 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% read nutrition labels and make healthier food choices.
- Eat healthier foods. 92% eat more fruits and vegetables — on average, 1.4 more servings per day.
- Stretch their food dollars. 83% take steps to better manage their food budget, such as planning meals and shopping with a grocery list.
- Handle food more safely. 66% are more likely to follow food safety practices, such as storing and thawing food properly.
- Increase their physical activity. 40% are more likely to engage in at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity.
Is your organization interested in EFNEP programming?
Contact Sarah Jergenson at [email protected] to learn about partnership opportunities.
EFNEP program leaders and coordinators
| Name | Location | Telephone | Email Address | Languages spoken |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sarah Jergenson | St. Paul | 612-626-6926 | [email protected] | English |
| Gold Lor | St. Paul | 612-626-2110 | [email protected] | English, Hmong |
| Name | Location | Telephone | Languages spoken | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Haggenmiller | Eden Prairie | 612-625-0309 | [email protected] | English |
| Isaiah Joans | St. Paul | 612-625-0309 | [email protected] | English |
| Karen Kulus | St. Paul | 612-626-4708 | [email protected] | English |
| Roberto Martinez | Farmington | 651-480-7792 | [email protected] | English, Spanish |
| Joyce McGee-Brown | Eden Prairie | 612-596-2135 | [email protected] | English |
| Christine Navarro | St. Paul | 612-625-3410 | [email protected] | English |
| Jennifer Ogren | St. Paul | 612-626-6910 | [email protected] | English |
| Gissela Reyes | St. Paul | 612-626-4395 | [email protected] | English, Spanish |
| Tou Yang | St. Paul | 612-626-2369 | [email protected] | English, Hmong |
EFNEP stories from Extension
Based on over a decade of research and experience, SuperShelf helps food shelf managers provide a variety of nutritious food in the easiest and most dignified way possible.
EFNEP program at Banyan Community delivers hands-on education and inspiration for healthy living.
As they chop, sauté and season, students reimagine favorite meals.
Reviewed in 2025