Central state university efnep initiatives specifically target communities in the southwest, southern, and northeast regions of ohio

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Central State University $172,670 under the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (CFDA 10.514) on October 1, 2025, for nutrition education delivery in low-income communities across southwest, southern, and northeast Ohio through September 30, 2030.

Central State University operates EFNEP initiatives targeting adults, youth ages 6–18, and children in low-income Ohio communities where socioeconomic status correlates with elevated obesity rates and restricted access to healthy foods. Adults receive 4–6 session in-person or hybrid workshop series with hands-on activities covering food selection, budgeting, meal preparation, food storage, and physical activity. Youth participate through after-school programs, 4-H clubs, day camps, and summer camps, learning to choose and prepare healthy foods, practice food safety, and engage in physical activity. Programming uses evidence-based curricula and research-driven strategies in partnership with state and community-based agencies, organizations, and schools for direct participant engagement.

Central State University, a historically Black 1890 land-grant institution headquartered in Wilberforce, Ohio, serves as the recipient. Work is performed in Wilberforce, Ohio. EFNEP is a federal extension program operated through 1862 and 1890 land-grant universities nationwide, combining hands-on learning and applied science to support participant self-sufficiency, nutritional health, and well-being. Eligible recipients are limited to 1862 and 1890 land-grant institutions.

Strengthening the health and well being of adults, youth, and children in ohio's low income communities remains a strategic priority. In these communities, a strong correlation exists between socioeconomic status and obesity rates, with low income adults experiencing higher obesity prevalence than those with higher incomes. This complex public health challenge is driven by several facto RS, including restricted access to healthy foods, a lack of safe recreational environments, and limited availability of healthcare resources. Poor nutrition is a significant contributor to chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol among adults. For youth, inadequate nutrition can lead to impaired brain development, learning difficulties, weakened immune systems, increased susceptibility to infections, and a higher risk of obesity. Maintaining a balanced diet and proper nutrition is essential for overall well being. In the united states, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, nutrient deficiencies, and food insecurity remain pressing dietary health challenges that require coordinated prevention and intervention efforts. CSU efnep utilizes evidence based curricula and research driven strategies to educate participants on making healthier choices through food selection, budgeting, meal preparation, food storage, and increased physical activity. CSU efnep partners with state and community based agencies, organizations, and schools to provide interactive and direct engagement. Adult program participants receive a 4 6 session in person or hybrid workshop series, with hands on activities designed to reinforce learning. CSU efnep also provides programs for youth ages 6 18 (pre K 12) through after school programs, 4 H clubs, day camps, and summer camps. Youth participants learn how to choose and prepare healthy foods, practice food safety, increase physical activity, and reduce screen time. Efnep programming focuses on four key areas of health for adult and youth participants: diet quality: understanding nutrients in food, their role in the body, and identifying foods with key nutrients. Physical activity: illustrating the need for daily physical activity to support overall health. Food resource management: teaching practices and techniques for cost effective selection of healthy foods. Food safety and security: providing food handling, preparation, and storage practices to prevent foodborne illness and offering strategies and community resources to reduce food insecurity. CSU efnep program objectives: 1. Secure partnerships with community based organizations by expanding outreach to food pantries, food cooperatives, libraries, daycare centers, health clinics, social service organizations, adult treatment centers, and K 12 schools (public, charter, and alternative). Meet with partners at least quarterly to assess needs, review successes, and strategize future programming. 2. Update the CSU extension website with efnep content, increase use of technology, and increase the number of followers on the efnep facebook page. Develop and maintain on line and social media platforms to promote efnep programming and provide practical resources in the four core.