NC2169: EFNEP Related Research, Program Evaluation and Outreach EFNEP: Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program Deb Hamernik, NC2169 AA 2016 Joint ESS/CES Meeting September 20, 2016 Jackson, WY

NC2169: EFNEP Clientele: Low income families, self reported as: 53% White, 26% African American, 4% American Indian or Alaska Native and 3% Asian or Pacific Islander and 39% reported their ethnicity as Hispanic (2011 NEERS 5 data) These groups most likely to be obese with one or more obesity-related chronic diseases EFNEP operates in 800 counties in all 50 states and six territories reaching 130,485 adults and 479,398 youth in 2012. The total number of lessons taught annually to these adults and youth is estimated at 3.9 million. For the 2012 Federal Fiscal Year, the total distribution of funds authorized under the Smith-Lever Act was $69,678,671 (USDA, 2013) Need to maximize the value of this investment -- effectiveness of nutrition education and on wider benefits that have the potential to improve quality of life (e.g., non- dietary benefits of EFNEP).

NC2169: EFNEP 25 participants 21 states throughout the US Second, five-year project (expires 09/30/2018) Objectives To test the validity and reliability of the EFNEP 24 hour dietary recall methods. To identify and/or develop valid behavior checklist survey items that assess diet quality, nutrition-related behavior, and food resource management related behaviors due to EFNEP participation. To determine if EFNEP participation influences Quality of Life (QoL) and if improved QoL is associated with sustained positive behavior changes. To investigate EFNEP outcomes that indicate cost benefit and cost effectiveness of the program to participants and communities.

NC2169: EFNEP Factors that make NC2169 successful: Excellent leadership and participation in NC2169 NC2169 members are passionate about EFNEP Relatively large number of members—breadth of expertise (qualitative research, statistics, economic analysis, nutrition, years of experience with EFNEP) Everyone participates in various activities--enables the group to get participants from across the country that represent the broad scope of EFNEP clientele Some stations (2?): competition for $10,000 -- $30,000 per year

NC2169: EFNEP Barriers that may be limiting the potential of NC2169: Funding AES dollars at many universities are no longer available for research (operating or staff) or travel to the annual meeting Pressure from the national program to produce results quickly Hard to make rapid progress without financial support

NC2169: EFNEP Lessons learned that can help enhance research/extension partnerships in the future: Communication is essential Keep the group connected, involved, accountable Monthly teleconferences for work groups Everyone makes the annual meeting a priority Commitment to common goals and group process Strong, willing leadership Shared leadership — someone always steps up when needed

Questions. Deb Hamernik (DHamernik2@unl Questions? Deb Hamernik (DHamernik2@unl.edu) Mary Kay Wardlaw (Wardlaw@uwyo.edu)