Food practices and nutrition knowledge after graduation from the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is a federally fu nded nutrition program designed to educate low-income families about key ar eas of nutrition and food safety This study examined the benefits gained an d maintained by participants in EFNEP in food practices, nutrition knowledg e, nutrient intake, and other areas. A prospective, within-subject design w as used to examine a randomly selected sample of 59 EFNEP graduates in two New York State counties. Self-reported information uas gathered at: entry i nto EFNEP, graduation from the program, and follow-up 1 year after completi on of the program. Analyses used bivariate chi-square and t-tests and multi variate regression. Food budgeting, food preparation, food safety practices , and nutrition knowledge improved between entry and graduation Most increa ses in knowledge and reported practices were maintained between graduation and follow-up. Few differences in reported nutrient intake were present bet ween entry, graduation, and follow-up. Additional reported changes beyond f ood and nutrition occurred in education, employment, health, and community involvement. Overall, participation in EFNEP increased the nutrition knowle dge and food management skills of low-income women. Many of these proficien cies persisted after completion of the program, and other benefits of the p rogram occurred. Future analyses are needed to evaluate immediate and longe r term effects of EFNEP in diverse audiences, with larger samples, using mo re powerful research designs, and including additional validated measures.