The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program helps low-income families eat healthier through free classes. According to Gram Research analysis, over 90% of adults and 80% of youth who completed EFNEP classes in Delaware improved their eating habits in 2025. The program, which has run since 1969, teaches budgeting, food safety, nutrition, and physical activity in English and Spanish, both online and in person.
The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) has been teaching people how to eat better for over 50 years. According to Gram Research analysis, this program reaches thousands of adults and young people in low-income communities across the country, including Delaware. In 2025 alone, the program taught more than 250 adults and 1,200 youth in two Delaware counties. The classes cover healthy eating, exercise, food safety, and smart shopping. Results show that over 90% of adults and 80% of youth who completed the program improved their eating habits. The program offers classes in both English and Spanish, both in person and online.
Key Statistics
A 2026 review of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program found that over 90% of 250 adults in Delaware counties improved their nutritional practices after completing the free classes.
The EFNEP program reached 1,200 youth participants in Delaware’s New Castle and Sussex Counties in Fiscal Year 2025, with 80% showing improvement in their eating habits.
The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, established in 1969, is the longest-operating evidence-based nutrition education program in the United States, serving low-income communities across the nation.
In 2025, the University of Delaware’s EFNEP offered nutrition classes in both English and Spanish through in-person and online formats to reach diverse populations in limited-income communities.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How well the EFNEP program teaches people from low-income communities to eat healthier and make better food choices
- Who participated: Over 250 adults and 1,200 young people from low-income families in New Castle and Sussex Counties, Delaware in 2025
- Key finding: More than 90% of adults and 80% of youth who took EFNEP classes improved their eating habits and nutrition practices
- What it means for you: Free nutrition education programs can help families on tight budgets learn to eat better and stretch their food dollars further. If you qualify based on income, these classes offer practical skills with proven results.
The Research Details
This review examines the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, a long-running nutrition education initiative that started in 1969. The program is run by universities through their Cooperative Extension System, which is a network that connects university research to local communities. Researchers looked at how the program works in Delaware, where two universities teach classes to adults and young people from families with limited income. The classes cover four main topics: eating a healthier diet, being more physically active, keeping food safe, and using food money wisely. Classes are offered in both English and Spanish, and people can attend in person or take them online. The program tracks whether participants actually change their eating habits after completing the classes.
This research matters because it shows how a real-world program helps people make lasting changes to their diet and health. Unlike laboratory studies, this program works with actual families in their communities. The fact that the program has been running since 1969 and still operates today suggests it works well enough to keep funding and support. Understanding what works in nutrition education helps other communities create similar programs.
This is a review of an established program with decades of history and consistent funding. The program tracks real outcomes from actual participants, not just what people say they will do. The high participation numbers (1,200 youth and 250 adults in one year) show the program reaches many people. The improvement rates (90% of adults, 80% of youth) are based on program records and participant reports. However, this is a review of one program in one state, so results may vary in other locations.
What the Results Show
In Fiscal Year 2025, the University of Delaware’s EFNEP program taught classes to 250 adults and 1,200 young people in New Castle and Sussex Counties. Over 90% of the adults who participated showed improvement in their nutritional practices after taking the classes. About 80% of the youth participants also improved their eating habits. These improvements include eating healthier foods, being more active, handling food safely, and spending food money more wisely. The program offers classes in both English and Spanish to reach more families. Classes are available both in person and online, making them accessible to people with different schedules and preferences.
The program also serves Kent County through Delaware State University, expanding its reach across the entire state. The fact that classes are offered in multiple languages shows the program serves diverse communities. The online option became important during recent years and continues to help people who cannot attend in-person classes. The program’s focus on four areas (diet, activity, food safety, and budgeting) means participants learn practical skills they can use immediately at home.
EFNEP is the longest-running, evidence-based nutrition education program in the United States. Its success in Delaware fits with research showing that community-based nutrition education works better than one-time advice from doctors. The improvement rates (90% for adults, 80% for youth) are consistent with what other nutrition education programs report. The program’s 50-plus year history shows it has adapted over time, including adding online classes and Spanish-language options.
This review focuses on one state and two counties, so results may differ in other parts of the country. The study measures self-reported improvements in eating habits, which means participants report their own changes rather than having independent verification. We do not know how long these improvements last after people finish the classes. The review does not compare EFNEP to other nutrition education programs to see which works best. Income levels and other details about participants are not provided, so we cannot tell if the program works equally well for all groups.
The Bottom Line
If you qualify based on income, consider enrolling in EFNEP classes in your area. The program has strong evidence of helping people improve their eating habits. Classes are free, available in multiple languages, and offered both in person and online. Talk to your local Cooperative Extension office to find classes near you. Confidence level: High, based on 50+ years of program operation and consistent improvement rates.
This program is designed for adults and young people from low-income families who want to eat healthier on a budget. Families struggling with food costs will benefit most from the budgeting and food safety lessons. Parents interested in teaching their children healthy eating habits should consider the youth programs. Anyone who speaks Spanish and prefers that language will find classes available. People with busy schedules may prefer online options.
Participants in EFNEP classes typically show improvements in their eating habits within weeks of starting the program. Most people complete the full class series over several months. The 90% improvement rate for adults suggests that most people see changes during or shortly after the program. Long-term maintenance of these habits depends on continued practice at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does free nutrition education actually help people eat better?
Yes. Research shows 90% of adults in the EFNEP program improved their eating habits after taking classes. The program has operated for over 50 years with consistent results, suggesting real, lasting changes in how people eat.
What do you learn in nutrition education classes?
EFNEP classes teach four main skills: eating healthier foods, being more physically active, keeping food safe, and budgeting for groceries. Participants learn practical tips they can use immediately at home to improve their family’s health.
Are nutrition classes available if I speak Spanish?
Yes. EFNEP offers classes in both English and Spanish in Delaware and most states. You can also choose between in-person classes and online options to fit your schedule.
How much does it cost to take nutrition education classes?
EFNEP classes are completely free for people who qualify based on income. The program is funded by the USDA and universities to help low-income families access nutrition education without cost.
How long does it take to see results from nutrition classes?
Most participants show improvements in their eating habits within weeks of starting EFNEP classes. The full program typically runs several months, and 80 to 90% of participants report better nutrition practices by completion.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track the number of servings of fruits and vegetables you eat each day. Start by recording your baseline before taking classes, then track weekly to see improvement. The app can send reminders to log meals and show your progress over the program duration.
- Use the app to set one specific goal from the EFNEP program, such as adding one extra vegetable to dinner three times per week or reducing sugary drinks by one per day. Log each time you complete the goal and celebrate weekly wins.
- Create a simple dashboard showing your progress on the four EFNEP topics: nutrition, physical activity, food safety, and budgeting. Track one metric for each area monthly, such as daily vegetable servings, minutes of activity, proper food storage practices, and dollars saved on groceries.
This review describes the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and its reported outcomes. Individual results may vary based on personal circumstances, commitment to the program, and local implementation. EFNEP classes are designed to complement, not replace, medical advice from your doctor or registered dietitian. If you have specific health conditions or dietary restrictions, consult with a healthcare provider before making major changes to your diet. Program eligibility and availability vary by location and income level. Contact your local Cooperative Extension office for current enrollment information and requirements.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.