Federal Grant Award Summary

The Agricultural Extension Service received a $1,474,548 Formula Grant award effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2030, from the Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition under the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP, CFDA 10.514). The grant funds comprehensive nutrition education and food resource management services targeted at low-income families and youth across five regional units in Puerto Rico: Arecibo, Caguas, Coamo, San Juan, and Toa Baja. Services are delivered by paraprofessional educators and supported by community volunteers, agencies, and organizations.

EFNEP Puerto Rico provides evidence-based nutrition education across four key focus areas: diet quality and physical activity promotion aligned with federal healthy living guidelines; food resource management skills to enhance family purchasing and food storage practices; household food safety and sanitation improvements; and food security expansion through connections to local farmers, producers, and food assistance programs. The program serves low-income adults responsible for food planning and preparation, as well as students from grades K-12 through schools, homeschooling groups, summer camps, and community settings. Instruction utilizes culturally appropriate Spanish-language curricula including Eating Smart–Being Active for adults, Vive Saludable y Activo for grades 3-5, and Nutrition Challenge for grades 9-12, delivered through hands-on learning, recipe demonstrations, and physical activity components designed to strengthen household finances and reduce dependency on food assistance.