Increasing Healthy Behaviors in Youth through EFNEP

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) in Maine helps combat nutrition insecurity and childhood obesity by educating low-income children on diet quality, physical activity, and food resource management. In 2024, 3140 youth participated in Maine EFNEP, almost doubling the previous year’s enrollment. Youth participated in an average of six educational lessons over three months. 

• 79% improved their abilities to choose foods according to current Dietary Guidelines or improved nutrition knowledge.
• 43% improved their daily physical activity practices.
• 50% used safe food handling practices more often.
• 34% improved their ability to prepare simple, nutritious, affordable food.

Through EFNEP, Extension supports participants’ self-sufficiency, nutritional health, and well-being. Youth participants improve their diets, nutrition practices, physical activity, and learn lifelong nutrition and health practices.