The expanded food and nutrition education program (EFNEP) improves the diets and food related behaviors of washington families and youth with low incomes

The federal award funds the operation of EFNEP at washington state university (WSU). The purpose of the award is to deliver EFNEP in three washington counties; clark, pierce, and spokane. The award funds eight full time paraprofessional and three full time professional staff that carry out EFNEP activities including youth and adult direct education, program administration, and policy, systems, and environmental change efforts related to food security. EFNEP partners with more than one hundred community agencies in washington to deliver curriculum through practical direct nutrition education lessons. Our nutrition classes are taught by peer educators who belong to the communities they serve. We use evidence-based curriculum in our adult and youth series, including eating smartobeing active; choose health food, fun, and fitness (CHFFF); and food smarts. In addition to direct education, EFNEP supervisors engage in policy, systems, and environmental change activities such as participating in community coalitions that address food security, increasing access to local foods, and preventing chronic diseases. In 2024, EFNEP educators will teach the nutrition class series to about 350 adults and 2,500 youth throughout three counties. EFNEP participants report improved behaviors in diet quality, food resource management, physical activity, and food safety practices. In fiscal year 2023, 97% (297 or 306) of adults and 92% (2099 or 2272) of youth reported improved diet quality such as eating more fruits and vegetables and drinking fewer sugary drinks. Ninety-five percent (291 of 306) of adult participants reported making positive behavior changes in food resource management which includes planning meals, making a food budget, and comparing food prices. Families reported saving $30.80 a month on their food costs, helping them lead healthier lives on a budget. In 2023, 79% of adults (239 of 303) and 67% (1508 of 2243) of youth reported improved physical activity behaviors. This includes meeting the physical activity guidelines for americans of getting 150 minutes of moderate activity per week for adults and 60 minutes of active play for youth per day. For food safety practices, 83% (252 or 305) of adults and 50% (1120 or 2252) of youth reported positive changes such as proper handwashing and how to cook food to correct temp eratures. These behavior changes may reduce the risk of diet-related diseases and contribute to a healthier lifestyle for EFNEP participants. EFNEP benefits participants of the program, youth and adults with children with low incomes. Often these participants expe rience food insecurity and have poor diet and physical activity behaviors. In clark, pierce, and spokane counties, 11.5% to 16.7% of residents live at or below 125% of the federal poverty level (american community survey). In 2021, 8.4-10.1% of residents experienced food insecurity (map the meal GAP). EFNEP also benefits our established community partners including early learning centers, schools, income-based housing complexes, and community centers by providing nutrition education and supports to their community. WSU's EFNEP improves the diets and physical activity behaviors of families in washington, leading to healthier lifestyles.