EFNEP

Welcome to the Maryland 

Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is a nutrition education program for food insecure limited-resource youth and families delivered through the Cooperative Extension Service in every state and U.S. territory. In Maryland, EFNEP is implemented through the University of Maryland Extension and is housed in the Department of Nutrition and Food Science at the University of Maryland. EFNEP is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)/ National Institute of Food and Agriculture and brings together federal, state, and local resources to teach limited-income families and youth about healthy eating and physical activity. 

EFNEP helps families learn skills and strategies to feed their family nutritious meals on a limited budget, make healthier food choices at home and at the grocery store, improve food security and improve their overall health. The knowledge and skills acquired also help families and youth change behaviors that place them at long-term risk for overweight/obesity and chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers.

What Is EFNEP?

We Help Families Eat Better and Live Healthier

About EFNEP

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program brings simple,

hands‑on lessons to Maryland families. The goal is to support healthier eating,

smarter food choices, and easy ways to stay active.

 

Who EFNEP Serves

• Limited Resource Families

• Limited Resource Youth

• Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mothers

 

What EFNEP Offers

• Cooking ideas that fit tight budgets

• Tips for stretching food dollars

• Simple meal plans

• Fun activities for kids

• Ways to get moving every day

 

Why It Matters

EFNEP helps communities build long‑lasting habits that make everyday

life healthier, happier, and more affordable.