Why What We Do Matters
Illinois Nutrition Education Programs makes a difference in the lives of Illinois families and their communities by focusing on increasing access to healthy foods, improving food and activity choices of Illinois families, and helping them save more money.
Individuals with easier access to healthier foods have a lower risk for obesity and other chronic diseases. Healthier eating choices can lead to better health, bringing improved job performance and lower absenteeism rates. For youth, a healthier lifestyle can help with preparedness and performance at school.
By working to reach multiple family members through community programming, INEP makes a greater impact on healthy choices.
The impact of EFNEP
After completing an adult class series,
- 95% improved their eating habits
- 70% were more physically active
- 88% improved their food budgeting
- 48% ate vegetables more often
- 72% improved their food safety practices
- 36% drank sugary beverages less often
After completing a youth class series,
- 86% youth knew more about and could better choose healthy foods
- 63% youth knew more about physical activity or became more active
- 45% youth knew more about or could better prepare simple, healthy, affordable foods
- 50% youth knew more about and practiced food safety skills
Because of the donation of the fresh produce, youth are able to go home and share and show what they have learned at their Illinois Junior Chef or Teen Cuisine classes. The educational materials encourage families to make healthy food choices, learn about where locally grown food comes from, and how to cook a new recipe utilizing the fresh produce.
"I had my doctor appointment this past week. My A1C is down, my blood pressure is down, and I lost four pounds. This is because of the things I have learned and started to do from this program."- Adult Participant
"I learned about how to start using other seasonings besides salt to bring the flavor out of my food, and made a taco seasoning. I also learned that fruits and vegetables are very important to a health diet. Within the time I spent coming to classes, I have lost three pounds." - Adult Participant
For information on past SNAP-Ed impact, visit our Extension SNAP-Ed Impact Page. Funding for SNAP-Ed has ended.