Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program for Transylvania County Youth

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Transylvania County is offering nutrition education classes to local elementary and middle school students in classroom and afterschool settings.

 A component of 4-H, the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (4-H EFNEP) will use juried curricula such as NC State University’s Professor Popcorn and the North Carolina Division of Public Health’s Food for Thought, to teach students nutrition and health concepts consistent with MyPyramid and the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.  Both curricula offer a practical, hands-on approach to nutrition and physical activity education. This idea of ‘learning by doing’ encourages positive dietary changes, improved food safety habits, and increased physical activity.

 Key 4-H EFNEP messages encourage students to make smart choices from each food group, find a balance between food and physical activity, and get the most nutrition from the calories consumed.  By meeting specific goals, the youth will come to understand that good health is in part about the food and activity choices they make daily.

 As a result of their experience with 4-H EFNEP, participants increase their knowledge of nutrition, improve food selection and preparation skills, and raise their awareness of food safety principles.  As they recognize the personal relevance of what they are learning they become more motivated to develop sound eating and physical activity habits and more self-confident when making choices that will lead to improved overall health.

 Research reinforces that good nutrition and physical activity provide children with the nutrients and energy needed for learning and growth.  Children who practice healthy behaviors early in life are more inclined to carry those behaviors with them through adulthood.  With the prevalence of overweight and obesity today, it is especially important that children are taught to eat well and be physically active.

 For information about 4-H EFNEP, please call the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service at (828) 884-3109.  Ask for Jessica Nolan, the EFNEP Nutrition Program Assistant.