1. Situation and Priorities

In response to rising food insecurity and poor nutrition outcomes among limited-resource families and SNAP-eligible individuals, a critical need was identified across several counties to expand access to nutrition education. Many of these communities—rural, suburban, and urban alike—face challenges such as limited access to healthy foods, lack of knowledge about meal planning on a budget, and unsafe food handling practices. These issues are especially pressing for families with young children, where early nutrition habits can shape lifelong health outcomes. Addressing these needs became a top priority to improve community health and reduce long-term healthcare costs.

2. Educational Response

To meet this need, the Extension system launched a strategic initiative to hire ten new Nutrition Education Program Assistants (NEPAs) across nine counties. These NEPAs are tasked with delivering SNAP-Ed and EFNEP programming, focusing on:

•    Meal planning on a limited budget

•    Safe food handling practices

•    Improved food preparation skills

•    Behavioral changes for a healthier lifestyle

The educational response includes a blend of in-person and virtual classes, hands-on cooking demonstrations, printed and digital materials, and follow-up support. Program Assistants use evidence-based curricula and culturally relevant materials to ensure accessibility and effectiveness. Evaluation tools are embedded to assess knowledge gain, behavior change, and long-term impact.

3. Participants/Target Audience

The primary audience includes:

•    Limited-resource families with young children

•    SNAP-eligible adults and youth

These individuals were identified through county-level income and SNAP eligibility data. The goal is for each NEPA to graduate at least 60 adults (7+ hours of education) and 187 youth (6+ hours of education) annually. This equates to a minimum of 600 adults and 1,870 youth completing a full series of nutrition education each year, not including additional outreach and indirect contacts.

4. Partners

This initiative was made possible through a collaborative effort involving:

•    Nutrition Education Program Area Extension Agents (programmatic supervisors)

•    Area and County Extension Directors

•    County Extension Agents (direct supervisors) 

These partners contributed to identifying county needs, screening applicants, and providing ongoing support and supervision. Their local knowledge and networks were instrumental in ensuring the right hires were made to serve each community effectively.

5. Outcomes/Impact

Initial Outcomes: Participants report increased knowledge in:

•    Budget-friendly meal planning

•    Safe food handling

•    Healthy food preparation

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Intermediate Outcomes: Many participants have adopted healthier eating habits, improved food safety practices at home, and reported increased confidence in cooking nutritious meals.

Long-Term Impact: The program is expected to contribute to:

•    Reduced rates of diet-related chronic diseases

•    Improved food security

•    Enhanced quality of life for families

•    Economic benefits through reduced healthcare costs and better use of food resources