California EFNEP is making a positive impact in the lives of low-income families. Participants are making positive changes towards healthy living. They also report an increased knowledge of how to make healthy food and exercise choices with a limited budget.
“I give more fruits and vegetables to my kids. Substitute sugary snacks such as cookies or sweets for fresh fruits, blueberries, raspberries and apples. Reading the labels helped me to have a better quality of life. I liked this class because I learned a lot, to eat healthy and lose weight, and this is good for me and my family. Thanks to you there are big changes for me and my family."
Alameda County EFNEP Graduate
2023 – 2024 Impact Report
Empowering Healthy Communities Across California
The California Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) promotes nutrition, physical activity, and healthier lifestyles for income-eligible youth and adults. With strong partnerships in local communities, EFNEP drives transformative impact on the lives of individuals, families, and households, supporting long-term health and well-being.
EFNEP Makes a Real Difference
Our Impact
- 98% of Adults and 82% of Youth improved their diet quality
- 83% of Adults and 47% of Youth improved their physical activity behaviors
- 95% of Adults practice better food resource management
- 84% of Adults and 56% of Youth improved their food safety habits
- 48% of Youth improved their ability to prepare nutritious food
Financial Impact
- Collectively, California EFNEP participants saved $1,543,753 on food costs
- Families saved an average of $44.70 per month and $536.40 annually on food costs using skills learned in EFNEP classes.
Our Program
- EFNEP delivers lessons in 19 counties throughout California
- 9-lesson series for adults; 6-lesson series for youth
- Classes offered in English, Spanish, Russian and Hmong
Our Participants
- 2,878 families and 10,795 youth received EFNEP lessons
Serving Diverse Communities
- 62% White
- 19% Not Provided
- 6% Asian
- 4% American Indian or Alaskan Native
- 3% Black or African American
- 2% Multiple races
- <1% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
- 77% Hispanic / 23% Non-Hispanic
Youth participants say:
“No more soda for me!”
After counting the teaspoons of sugar in a can of soda, one student expressed surprise: “Wow, I never knew how much sugar was in soda. No more for me!”
Stronger Muscles!
One summer camp participant reported what they learned from EFNEP about healthy eating for a healthy body: “When you exercise, you use your muscles and it causes them to tear a little. When you eat protein, you help fix the tears and that makes your muscles bigger.”
Adult participants say:
“I learned how to save money when grocery shopping.” Orange County Graduate
“Invite the kids into the kitchen when cooking!” Contra Costa County Graduate
“Change is difficult, but not impossible.”
Determined to make a change, “Amber” – a mother of 8 – applied what she learned in EFNEP to a healthier lifestyle for her family. With her kids at risk for diabetes and high blood pressure, gone are the fried, salty foods and sugary drinks. Now they enjoy balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, and plenty of water. Sacramento County
