EFNEP Makes a Real Difference
(FY 2012)
Adult Clients
Using “hands-on” experiences, EFNEP adult participants complete a seven-lesson series on stretching food dollars, improving eating habits, and practicing food safety principles. In FY 2011-2012, 688 families with 1,540 children were enrolled in EFNEP. As a result of participation in EFNEP the following food and nutrition behaviors were achieved:
- 98% with positive change in any food group at exit. Specifically, EFNEP participants consumed .8 more cups of fruits and vegetables and .4 additional cups of milk at completion, compared to entry.
- 87% improved in one or more food resource management practices such as using a list for grocery shopping.
- 92% improved in one or more nutrition practices such as using the “Nutrition Facts” on food labels to make food choices.
- 73% improved in one or more food safety practices such as thawing foods safely.
- 38% of program participants reported a positive change in physical activity.
Youth Clients
The EFNEP-Youth program is directed toward low-income school-age youth. These students participate in a series of fun and educational lessons on good nutrition and food safety as part of summer programs, classroom and after-school activities. In FY 2011-2012, 10,776 youth in Tarrant County participated in EFNEP as part of summer programs, classroom and after-school activities.
- 72% now eat a variety of foods.
- 84% increased their knowledge of the essentials of human nutrition.
- 82% increased their ability to select low-cost, nutritious foods.
- 96% improved practices in food preparation and safety.
- 99% improved physical activity behavior attitude.
Cost-Benefit of EFNEP
Studies have shown that for every $1 spent on EFNEP, $10 were estimated to be saved in health care costs and $2 saved in food costs by participants. For Tarrant County, this is $2.4 million in estimated health care cost savings and almost $479,928 in food costs.
For more info about the EFNEP contact:
Linda Chazarreta
lchazarreta@ag.tamu.edu
200 Taylor Street, Suite 500
Fort Worth, TX 76196
Phone: (817) 212-7501
Fax: (817) 212-7502