Union County
Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)
The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) of the University
of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is a proven, cost-effective nutrition
education program for families with limited resources. EFENP programs provide a
series of lessons based on the Food guide Pyramid and the Dietary Guidelines for
Americans. Parents learn ways to stretch their food dollars, to grow a vegetable
garden, to shop wisely and store foods safely and to plan nutritious meals and
snacks. EFNEP is available to expectant moms and families with children who are
eligible for WIC or food stamps or USDA commodity foods or have children who are
participating in subsidized school feeding programs.
In Union County , EFNEP is conducted by Family Program Assistants, Janie
Garner and Glenda Parker. They teach parents in all head starts, ABC programs,
early head starts, Salvation Army, crisis centers and WIC.
Youths of these families were taught nutrition information through the
Salvation Army Summer Program, 4th and 5th grades in Huttig, Strong, and
Smackover Elementary Schools . Also, the youth from Haygood Neal Housing Unit,
were reached this summer. These youth learned how to grow tomato seeds into
plants and encouraged to plant in their garden at home or in a large container.
These youth also learned how to make nutritious snacks, smoothies, taste new
vegetable and fruits.
Hand washing is an important activity conducted for both parents and youth.
Keeping hands clean help prevent the spreading of germs and illness. This coming
year, exercise will be emphasized to both parents and youth. Balancing food
intake and exercise is the best way to have a healthy body weight.
The program assistants are always looking for ways to reach low-income
families with nutrition information. Children that are fed properly thrive
better in their families and school, making it a win-win situation for both
families and schools.
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