Project abstract efnep in iowa serves adults and youth who meet income guidelines

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Iowa State University of Science and Technology $974,714 under the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (CFDA 10.514) on October 1, 2025, for a formula grant supporting nutrition and physical activity education in Iowa through September 30, 2030.

Iowa State University delivers two evidence-based curricula to low-income adults and youth meeting income guidelines in high-concentration eligible areas. For adults and older teens, the program uses the Eating Smart. Being Active curriculum from Colorado State University, an eight-lesson series covering nutrition practices, food resource management, food safety, and physical activity based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 and MyPlate. Educators, typically paraprofessionals hired from the communities they serve, deliver the curriculum. For youth, the program uses Kids in the Kitchen, developed at the University of Missouri, comprising seven lessons on physical activity, food safety, MyPlate, and food groups through child-friendly activities and cooking opportunities. Performance goals for 2026 include 66 percent of adult participants completing at least six lessons increasing daily physical activity to 30 minutes or more, all such participants increasing fruit and vegetable intake by a combined 0.8 cups, and 54 percent increasing meal planning frequency.

Work is performed in Ames, Iowa. This is a formula grant to a Land-grant institution under EFNEP, which operates through 1862 and 1890 Land-grant Universities in all states, territories, and the District of Columbia.

To serve the most families and youth possible, iowa efnep focuses programming in areas with high concentrations of eligible families. Efnep programming for adults and older teens uses the eating smart. Being active curriculum from colorado state university. The series is delivered by educators who are typically paraprofessionals hired from the communities which they aim to serve. The series includes eight lessons which focus on nutrition practices, food resource management, food safety and physical activity. The information included is based on the latest research in health and nutrition from the dietary guidelines for americans 2020-2025 and myplate. Iowa efnep has consistently shown strong behavior change, often exceeding tier and national averages using eating smart. Being active. Kids in the kitchen was created at the university of missouri and is aligned with current dietary guidelines for americans. Evidence of effectiveness is currently practice based. Missouri is prioritizing additional evaluation to earn the evidence-based designation. Seven lessons address the value of physical activity, food safety, myplate and each food group with child friendly activities and cooking opportunities. Lessons address the efnep core areas of diet quality, food safety and physical activity using language and hands-on activities that are relevant for the age group. Kids in the kitchen has demonstrated evidence of effectiveness when evaluated using the youth efnep evaluation tools. Goals for 2026 include: 66% of adult efnep participants who complete at least 6 lessons will increase their frequency of daily physical activity totaling 30 minutes or more per day. Adult efnep participants who complete at least 6 lessons will increase their intake of fruits and vegetables by a combined 0.8 cups. 54% of adult efnep participants who complete at least 6 lessons will increase their frequency of planning meals before shopping. 36% of 3-5 grade youth efnep participants will increase their frequency of vegetable consumption after 5 or more lessons. The adult priority audience is caregivers with children who have a household income less than 185% of the federal poverty level. Other participants include elementary age youth, teens and young adults with anticipated caregiving/parenting needs. Staff use a wide variety of recruitment techniques including referrals from enrolled families and agencies, pre-formed groups, demonstrations, and the list of families participating in snap. Iowa state university intends to issue sub-awards to select iowa county extension offices for dedicated service to K-5 audiences. During federal FY 2025 iowa efnep pilot tested the food S marts curriculum for service to adults and middle school age youth. Decisions about expansion will occur during fall 2025.