2021 Impacts: Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). Improving Nutritional Security through Education

Nutrition insecurity is especially seen among historically underserved populations, such as those with limited financial resources. Funded by the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and conducted by Cooperative Extension through land-grant institutions in all U.S. states and territories and the District of Columbia, the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) uses education to support program participants' efforts toward self-sufficiency and nutritional health and wellbeing. This report reflects how EFNEP continues to make a difference in the lives of low-income families and youth, even, and especially in times of adversity. Fiscal year 2021 was especially difficult for individuals, families, and communities across the nation as they experienced personal loss, social isolation, employment uncertainty, and lack of access to food and other resources. It was also difficult for community-based programs as they experienced temporary closures and pivoted to develop and adapt social distancing protocols in a changing and challenging COVID-19 pandemic environment. Faced with such difficulties, EFNEP remained resilient and experienced continued programmatic success. New partnerships were formed, resources were adapted, and remote approaches were utilized to expand program reach. Universities gave increased attention to training paraprofessional staff (peer educators) to help them feel less isolated. EFNEP leadership across the country developed and shared program content and teaching methods that allowed them to adapt quickly to a virtual teaching environment that supported participant success. Federal partners increased communications and provided technical assistance to university leadership to recognize and support local efforts.