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Maryland State Impacts
EFNEP IMPACTS
Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program
State of Maryland - 2008-2009
State Totals
- Total Federal Funds (Adult & Youth): $900,557
- Program Families: 2,007
- Average Cost per Client: $157
- Average Program Lessons: 6-8
- Full-time Employees: 26.6
- Total Funds from Maryland: $143,576
- Matching County Funds: $133,643
- Other Funds: $175,353
- Total Funds: $1,199,641
The Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and University of Maryland Extension. The major goals of EFNEP are to help limited-income families and youth acquire knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behavior changes necessary for health/wellness and prevention of chronic disease.
In 2008 the Bureau of the Census reported that more than 441,000 people in the state of Maryland lived in poverty; 10.1% of these people were under the age of 18 years. In 2008-2009 EFNEP assisted 7,665 family members plus an additional 8,849 youth; 13% of these participants had an income less than half the poverty level. After participating in EFNEP more than 50% will plan meals most of the time or almost always from the current 66%; more than 75% will compare prices most of the time or almost always from the current 79%; less than 5% will run out of food almost always from the current 5%; more than 50% will continue to read labels most of the time or almost always from the current 53%; 100% will be in the do not do category from the current 76% of those who let foods sit out for more than 2 hours; 75% will be in the do not do category from the current 49% who thaw foods at room temperature; and 75% will eat breakfast most of the time or almost always from the current 80%).
The main objective of EFNEP is to increase the number of healthy, well-nourished individuals and families among those with low incomes.
Recent reports indicate that for every $1 spent on EFNEP, $10.64* is saved on health care costs related to food-borne and chronic illnesses and low birth weight babies. This corresponds to savings of more than $15.8 million in health care costs for Maryland from the adult program alone.
EFNEP's participants are mentored individually or in groups by Extension Educators for up to one year, while youth initiatives are conducted in year-round programs in public schools, after school programs, and by EFNEP staff in collaboration with 4-H programs. Participants with families are taught how to choose foods wisely while staying within a budget, prenatal and postnatal nutrition including the benefits of breastfeeding, the impact of diet and exercise, how to reduce the risk of chronic diseases through dietary and lifestyle changes, and safe food preparation and handling.
EFNEP Works With Diverse Audiences:
- 39% African American
- 48% Caucasian
- 23% Hispanic/Latino (of any race)
- 13% Other
Statewide Participant Profiles - 2008-2009
- 41% have children under six years old
- 13% have incomes less than half the poverty level
- 41% receive food stamps (snap benefits)
- 47% receive WIC benefits
- 8% receive TANF assistance
ShareThisFor more information, contact Terri Kieckhefer
Last updated: 11/17/2009