Overview
Since 1969, the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) has reached more than 34 million low-income families and youth. Annual program data shows that participants have enhanced their health by improving their nutrition, food safety, and physical activity practices. Program research and evaluation are integral to the success of EFNEP and other nutrition education programs.
EFNEP’s position within USDA/NIFA and Cooperative Extension within the Land-grant Universities provides a unique opportunity for developing, testing, and implementing program-based. Innovative educational interventions and evaluation strategies also help advance the field of nutrition education.
Multi-State Research Teams
- The EFNEP Related Research, Program Evaluation and Research Team formed in 2006. This team combines research and programmatic expertise to conduct program implementation research and evaluation.
- The Children's Healthy Living Network (CHLN) formed in 2016. This team focuses especially on research and evaluation strategies that address health disparities by ethnic minorities and indigenous populations and those living in rural communities.
Other researchers, similarly, have contributed to EFNEP research and evaluation. Studies including early research and reports led to program development project such as the Regional Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Centers of Excellence (RNECE) and the Community Nutrition Education (CNE) Logic Model. Please email Yamilis Ocasio at yamilis.ocasio@usda.gov if you have a study to contribute.

Databases and Search Engines
Additional publications can be found in searchable databases and search engines for peer review publications related to EFNEP. See the EFNEP specific publications at the USDA National Agricultural Library (here) and Google Scholar (below).
Visit PageCost Benefit / Effectiveness Studies
- A publication of Agricultural & Applied Economics Association.
- A publication of The Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior.
- A publication of The Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior.
- A publication of The Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior.
- A publication of The Research Journal of UC ANR.
- A publication of Virginia Tech.
- A publication of Iowa State University.