EFNEP, the nation’s first federal nutrition education program, has successfully balanced constancy and change to improve the food and physical activity behaviors of low-income families and youth.
The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is an educational program conducted by the University of Tennessee Extension, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences.EFNEP is targeted to families with limited income, particularly parents and other adult caregivers who have primary responsibility for feeding young children, as well as youth and pregnant teens. EFNEP classes focus on how to choose and prepare healthy foods, manage grocery budgets and be active. EFNEP has been conducted in Tennessee for over 50 years.
EFNEP teaches:
- How to stretch your food dollar
- How to prepare good and nutritious food
- How to plan a balanced diet
- How to get kids to eat nutritious food
- The importance of a good diet and physical activity
- How to use a variety of foods.
Makayla Ditto works with Head Start programs, the public schools in Putnam County, food pantries, other eligible groups and individuals with health fair events. She delivers the programs many ways, including school programs, food demonstrations, group classes, hands-on learning experiences, educational displays handouts and newsletters. Good nutrition is an excellent health habit that can help you improve the quality of life for you and your family.
For more information on the EFNEP program call or email mledfo10@utk.edu Makayla Ditto, program assistant for Putnam County UT Extension, at (931) 526-4561.