Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program

The Expanded and Nutrition Education Program is a Cooperative Extension Service program funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA's My Pyramid provides effective, research supported, nutrition education information based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

The Orange County's Expanded and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is a team effort between the USDA, University of Florida Extension Services and Orange's County Commissioners. The purpose of the program is to help families and individuals with young children have a healthier lifestyle by learning basic food and nutrition information in order to make informed decisions and healthier choices when choosing, purchasing and preparing food for them and their families. Our free educational program is offer to all Orange County residents.

Our program can help families and individuals learn how to stretch and save your food dollars. Once you participate and complete the program (at least 6 classes) you will receive a University of Florida Certificate of Completion. The program teaches information and skills that could help in getting employment in the food industry and/or in jobs where basic knowledge of nutrition and food safety is needed or required.

EFNEP Educators teach program participants lessons on the various food groups, the nutrients and benefits when eating a variety of foods, the importance of eating fruits and vegetables, of drinking milk and water, how to prepare healthy snacks and simple healthy meals (hands on). In addition participants learn how to be safe with food, and samples of physical activities for the entire family that are both fun and simple to get the body moving and calories burning. Pregnant women, young parents and grandparents raising young children get valuable information.

My Pyramid for Adults

My Pyramid provides effective, research supported, nutrition education information based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. You can get information on the various food groups, oils and fats and serving size according to your gender/sex, age and level of physical activity. More ...

If you are overweight or obese, here are some basic steps to help you gradually move toward a healthier weight:

1. Learn what to eat from each food group.
2. Focus on how much you eat. Watch your portion sizes!
3. Choose “nutrient-dense” forms of foods. These foods are packed with nutrients, but low in “extras” that just add calories.
4. Get moving! Physical activity can help you reach and keep a healthier weight.
5. Follow your progress by tracking your food intake and physical activity. Check your weight weekly.

Keep food safe by following general food guidelines to avoid food borne illnesses like salmonella, ecoli and others

• CLEAN: Wash hands and surfaces often
• SEPARATE: Don't cross-contaminate
• COOK: Cook to proper temperature
• CHILL: Refrigerate promptly

Select this link to learn how to follow each one of these guidelines mentioned above.

Pregnant women and breast feeding mothers

When you are pregnant you have specific nutritional needs

As a pregnant woman you need not only specific nutritional needs but additional information to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. EFNEP can give you information concerning weight gain, breast feeding, dietary supplements, special health needs and food safety issues that you need to be aware of. More ...

Did you know that?

• When you are pregnant you need to be seen by a health care provider
• Foods from different food groups give you different nutrients that help you and your baby
• When you are pregnant you have a higher need for vitamins and minerals
• Being physically active can help you have a good pregnancy
• If you are expecting more than one baby your nutrition and calorie needs are higher
• By following a healthier diet you can help prevent anemia (tiredness), constipation, high blood pressure and even gestational diabetes during your pregnancy

Parents and Caregivers

You can help your child by:

• Letting children select from a variety of healthful foods and making sure they have plenty of exercise. Both are important to promote healthy weights in children.
• Offering a variety of fruits and vegetables (5 to 9 a day), preferably fresh or otherwise canned or frozen.
• Serving whole grain foods every day, such as whole wheat bread, crackers, brown rice, tortillas, or ready to eat whole grain breakfast.
• Giving young children at least 3 servings of dairy products, e.g. 1 cup of milk, yogurt, and cheese. Offer milk at every meal.
• Providing meals and snacks at regular times.
• Eating with children and modeling healthy eating habits.

Resources for Adults, Pregnant women, Parents and Older Adults

Select this link for information regarding adults and healthy eating. Find out specific information on how to prepare your meals specifically for you depending on your gender, age and level of physical activities. Get ideas on what to prepare, how and the amount of calories in them.

Need some financial assistance with your groceries? Select this link to get information regarding financial assistance and available food resources.

Select this link for additional information and resources on food safety.

Select this link for information regarding older adults and health related issues; or this link for National Institute on Aging, and for information related to cardiovascular disease, heart and stroke prevention related questions.