El Paso County

Success Stories

Adult Program:

Maria M. was a divorced lady with a one year-old son living in the west side of El Paso. She started to come to the EFNEP class but was very shy and would not smile. She would always bring her son with her to the class. At home, Maria practiced the recipes that were demonstrated in the class, and tried other new recipes. She started to smile and told the teacher how much she was saving by preparing a menu. She was enjoying cooking and was making friends. She even started going to school and is now working for the Department of Human Services. Maria has since graduated from EFNEP. She said that taking EFNEP classes has really changed her life in that she now has a healthier diet. Before EFNEP, Maria would make herself a meal of six servings and eat it all herself. She was also doing 90% of her snacking on the sofa watching TV. Maria now eats a variety of fruits and vegetables daily and has cut down on salt and fat when preparing a meal. She does not deprive herself of foods that she loves, but simply eats smaller portions. When going to a restaurant, she now selects healthy choices. For dessert she chooses fresh fruits, fruit ices, sherbet, angel food cake or fat-free yogurt. Maria is a happier person because of EFNEP.