Helping families with mealtimes and their budgets
The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, or EFNEP, is a national program currently in all 50 states and United States territories that began in 1969. In Illinois, EFNEP is located in three counties: Cook, Madison, and St. Clair.
EFNEP provides a deeper experience for those participating in our nutrition education programming, with regular support and connection with the local EFNEP team. EFNEP helps limited-resource families gain the knowledge and skills needed to make behavior changes for healthy diets and active lifestyles. Programs are based on evidence and engage learners in practical, hands-on classes and activities. In addition, EFNEP classes are taught by peer educators who are members of the communities where they work. These team members are trained, passionate, and dedicated to affecting a diverse population through nutrition education.
Families participating in EFNEP report saving an average of $36.40 monthly on groceries
Helping families with mealtimes and their budgets
A parent shared how classes helped them and their family. ‘I am not a kitchen fan, I do not know how to cook different meals. Now, with the recipes and meals we prepared during this class, it has been much easier and much better [for me] to cook. I have been practicing the recipes at home, and my family has loved it. Even now, they help me [with] doing chores such as washing dishes, cleaning the tables, and chopping lettuce.’