Hidalgo County

Adult Program Impact (FY 2008-09)

The purpose and mission of the EFNEP-Adult program is to reach out to limited-resource families with young children and provide food and nutrition education. Using "hands-on" experiences, clients participate in a six-lesson series on stretching food dollars, improving eating habits, and practicing food safety principles.

• 1,526 families with 3,291 children enrolled in EFNEP.
• 103EFNEP participants were pregnant and/or nursing.
• 83% of families at or below 185% of federal poverty level.
• 81% of families enrolled in one or more food assistance programs.
• 100% of EFNEP adult participants were Hispanic/Latino.

Positive Food Behavior Changes

The following results show how adult clients' food behaviors improved after attending EFNEP classes:

• 96% with positive change in any food group at program exit. Specifically, EFNEP participants consumed 0.3 more cups of fruit and vegetables at completion, compared to entry.
• 84% improved in one or more food resource management practices such planning meals in advance.
• 90% improved in one or more nutrition practices such as using the “Nutrition Facts” food labels more to make food choices.
• 63% improved in one or more food safety practices such as thawing foods.
• 34% of program participants with a positive change in physical activity. In fact, participants reported walking 10,863 miles during the 2008-09 reporting year. As a result of this physical activity, an estimated 22% of program participants could prevent the onset of diabetes over their lifetime through increased physical activity. Including the cost of lost wages and annual health care cost, the total potential economic impact for these participants is approximately $2.7 million.