Community Nutrition Education: Improving the Health and Well-Being for Limited-Resource Audiences Across Ohio
Obesity, poor nutrition, and limited physical activity are major health concerns. Unfortunately, poor health is found more often in limited-resource and minority audiences who have limited access to educational opportunities. OSU Extension’s community nutrition education programs for low income audiences are the Family Nutrition Program (FNP) and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). FNP and EFNEP make a difference in the lives of their participants by educating them on tips to adopt healthy lifestyles. Each has lessons about nutritious diets, physical activity, food budgeting, food security, food safety and family well-being. While both programs address similar nutrition education issues, they serve unique audiences in counties throughout Ohio.
Family Nutrition Program (FNP)
FNP operates in 52 states and territories and targets individuals and families eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly food stamp program). FNP is sometimes referred to as SNAP-ED (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program- Education). FNP is funded by USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service and in partnership with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. FNP uses interactive approaches with participants who attend classes. Learn more about SNAP-Ed by visiting http://foodstamp.nal.usda.gov. To see if FNP is available in your county and to learn more, click here.
Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)
EFNEP operates through the 1862 and 1890 Land-Grant Institutions in every state and in the six U.S. territories. The Ohio State University is Ohio’s Land-Grant Institution. Using a research-based, interactive approach, peer educations from the communities they support reach over ½ million limited-resource families and youth each year. More than 80 percent of EFNEP families report living at or below 100% of poverty, and nearly 70 percent indicate being of minority status. This is important because poor heatlh disproportionalty affects minority and limited-resource audiences. For more information visit: www.csrees.usda.gov/efnep. To see if EFNEP is available in your county and learn more, click here.