The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program in Mississippi is celebrating 50 years.
The program, which operates in the state through the Mississippi State Extension, held a celebration at the Decatur extension office complete with a food demonstration by Joey Ford, Extension Program Assistant and instructor for the EFNEP program.
Residents who attended the demonstration got to see her make a wholesome recipe that anyone could make at home. Just like she does many times in community or school settings, the audience got to do a taste test of the recipe and sample other recipes that were prepared before the event.
Ford said this is important to help residents and students understand that healthy eating can still taste good.
“Sometimes, they’re a little scared to try it at first, but once they finally taste it, they find out that they really like it,” Ford said. “Healthy eating can taste good, and that’s what our program helps show everyone.”
Ford said they have different curriculum for all ages. Some are directed for elementary or high school students, while others are focused on helping young mothers find ways to have healthy meals even though they don’t have much time for cooking.
Once a person completes the lesson, Ford said the participants receive a diploma to “graduate” from that class. And each curriculum has a series of lessons. Tuesday, those who completed the class with Ford received their diploma, a packet of recipes and an opportunity to pose for selfies with a special photo frame commemorating the EFNEP golden anniversary.
Ford said she will do classes for schools and most local organizations that want to learn more about healthy eating. Specifically, Ford said she has worked a lot with the Newton Municipal School District and other school districts.
According to the extension’s website, the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program is a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. In Mississippi, EFNEP is offered through the Mississippi State University Extension Service, which delivers current science-based food and physical activity recommendations that provide the foundation for free, hands-on nutrition education classes.
There are 22 EFNEP educators located in 19 Mississippi counties who provide tailored classes to meet the specific needs of program participants. Participants learn to prepare healthy food, plan meals, stretch food dollars and increase physical activity.
EFNEP helps families acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to change behaviors and improve lives. Taught by peer educators, these lessons aim to increase the number of healthy children, young people and families. Peer educators also cultivate a sense of personal success, which motivates participants to finish high school, pursue a GED or training program, and find employment.
She said her job is rewarding, especially when she hears success stories.
“It makes you feel good when you hear that the class has made a difference and that they are now eating healthy because of what we did,” Ford said. “That’s what this program is all about — helping our community to eat healthy.”
