Purpose the university of rhode island expanded food & nutrition education program (EFNEP) uses an evidence-based nutrition education approach based on four core messages: diet quality and physical…

Purpose the university of rhode island expanded food & nutrition education program (EFNEP) uses an evidence-based nutrition education approach based on four core messages: diet quality and physical activity, food resource management, food safety, and food security to improve the habits of low-income parents/child caregivers and youth (ages 5-18). A central emphasis of these programs is hands-on cooking opportunities for participants to build self-confidence in preparing healthy meals and snacks at home. Activities direct education programs are delivered by paraprofessionals in various community settings across RI core cities in providence county and kent county where poverty is most concentrated. EFNEP paraprofessionals teach the four core messages through evidence-based curricula across the following audiences: parents/caregivers with young children: eating smart, being active (ESBA) adult curriculum is a nine-week, evidence-based, healthy eating and active living curriculum. The content is based on the latest research from the dietary guidelines and myplate. Emphasis is placed on dialogue-based learning and hands-on activities that allow participants to engage in the lesson and learning process. ESBA is delivered in settings including adult education & training sites, adult rehabilitation centers, community centers, head start sites, health care sites, public housing sites, etc. Youth (grades 3-5): choose health: food, fun, and fitness youth curriculum (CHFFF)' is a six-week series curriculum that uses experiential learning and interactive lessons that align with myplate and provide opportunities to be active. Family newsletters transmit this information to the home environment. Older youth (grades 6-12): middle school and high school-aged children receive the six-week teen cuisine curriculum. Teen cuisine empowers teenage youth to make healthy lifestyle choices through hands-on lessons focused on nutrition, physical activity and food safety. Expected outcomes a primary outcome for EFNEP is to expand the reach of our programs to low-income audiences across RI. An emphasis is placed on improving dietary and physical activity behavioral outcomes from pre-assessment (first week of EFNEP program series) to post-assessment (last week of EFNEP program series). Specific behavioral outcomes that URI EFNEP focuses on within our FY 2024-2029 five-year plan include: implement direct data entry in all adult programs, increase the percentage of adult participants reporting improvements in physical activity, increase youth participant report of improvements in food safety, increase adult parent/caregiver reach, PSE efforts with EFNEP: expanding program partnerships with cooperative extension & farm fresh RI. Program sites schools, adult education & training sites, adult rehabilitation centers, places of worship, extension offices, community centers, farmer's markets, head start sites, healthcare sites, libraries, public housing, shelters, WIC program sites locations providence county: providence, central falls, pawtucket, and woonsocket. Kent county: west warwick.