OSU DIRECT

Extension Expert Excerpts - Marilyn Rabe - Extension Agent EFNEP

Dec 11, 2001

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is a federally funded nutrition education program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Ohio State University Extension. It operates through the OSU Extension office in 26 counties in Ohio. EFNEP in Franklin County includes classes taught by educators in English, Somali, Spanish, Cambodian, and Lao.
EFNEP nutrition education is free to low income families with young children who want to learn and improve the quality of their lives. EFNEP participants are taught basic nutrition concepts, food buying skills, proper food storage, sanitation, and management of available resources, including use of food stamps. Instructors are paraprofessionals who have been trained by Family and Consumer Science professionals. The instructors use Eating Right is Basic, a competency-based foods and nutrition curriculum.
EFNEP also offers nutrition education for youth. Students in elementary schools with a high percentage of participation in the free/reduced lunch program are eligible for the lessons. A variety of nutrition education curricula are utilized to provide active, hands on learning for youth.

If you have any questions about EFNEP, please call Marilyn Rabe at 614.462.6700 ext. 215.