This Extension program in Nevada is part of the nationwide Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, led and funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA/NIFA).
This federal program was the first nationwide nutrition education program for low-income populations. It remains at the forefront of nutrition education efforts to reduce nutrition insecurity of low-income families and youth today. It operates in every state, the District of Columbia and the six U.S. territories through the local 1862 and 1890 Land-Grant Universities (LGUs).
The program uses education to support participants’ efforts toward self-sufficiency, nutritional health and well-being. It combines hands-on learning, applied science and program data to ensure program effectiveness, efficiency and accountability.
Routinely, 80 percent or more of families participating in the program report living at or below 100 percent of the federal poverty line, and nearly 70 percent indicate being of minority status. This is important because chronic disease and poor health disproportionately affect minority and low-income audiences.
Annual data confirms program graduates:
- Stretch their food dollars farther
- Improve their nutrition practices
- Increase their physical activity levels
- Handle food more safely
- Improve their diets
