2022 Impacts: Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). Improving Nutritional Security through Education

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is the nation's first federal nutrition education program for low-income populations. Without question, accelerating equity in programming has long been a priority of EFNEP. Historically underserved populations with limited financial resources are often people of color and at increased risk for diet-related diseases. EFNEP contributes to nutrition security as program families and youths gained knowledge and skills for healthier food and physical activity choices, increased food resource management (shopping and food preparation), food safety, and improved food security practices to keep healthy in challenging times. Consistent with previous years, adult and youth participants in FY 2022 reported improved behaviors following program involvement. More than 90% of adult EFNEP participants reported improvement in what they ate. National EFNEP priorities for FY 2022 included facilitating workforce development, increasing program reach, and increasing appropriate use of technology in teaching. This report reflects how EFNEP continues to make a difference in the lives of low-income families and youths, even and especially in times of adversity. [For the 2021 report, see ED623567.]