Teresa Spicer
Nutrition Program Manager
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Our adult nutrition education programs, the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program (FSNEP), inspire and empower families and individuals to lead healthier lives by teaching them to eat well, stretch their food dollars, and handle food safely. The programs are federally funded by the USDA, and are administered by the
EFNEP and FSNEP are research-based nutrition education programs based on the Social Cognitive Theory and Diffusion Theory. Through an experiential learning process, program participants learn how to make good choices to improve the nutritional quality of the meals and snacks they eat. They increase their ability to select and buy food that meets the nutritional needs of themselves and their family members. They gain new skills in food production, preparation, storage, safety and sanitation, and they learn to better manage their food budgets and related resources such as Food Stamps.
Classes are held at various community agencies where participants learn about the Dietary Guidelines, the five different food groups of MyPyramid, how to read a food label, plan meals, economic food shopping and preparing food safely. Food demonstrations are conducted so participants can learn to prepare nutritious foods on a limited budget. This gives them the opportunity to develop hands-on skills, taste new foods, and learn new ways of food preparation.
After attending all classes, participants "graduate" from the program and receive a Certificate of Participation from the
| EFNEP | FSNEP | |
| Who can participate? | Low-income families with children | Adults eligible for Food Stamps |
| What services are offered? | A series of eight 1 to 1 ½ hour classes taught once a week | A series of four to six 1 to 1 ½ hour classes taught once a week
Learn at Home—a self-study program; lessons are mailed to participants |
| In what languages are services offered? | English and Spanish | English and Spanish |
| Where are classes held? | We partner with schools and agencies throughout | We partner with schools, agencies, and health fairs throughout |
| What curriculum is used? | Healthy Families—Eating Healthy and Being Active:
| Healthy Families—Eating Healthy and Being Active
Making Every Dollar Count |
| What do participants receive? | Recipes, handouts, lesson enhancements, graduation certificate | Recipes, handouts, lesson enhancements, graduation certificate |
Success Stories
Patricia from Terra Bella (translated from Spanish):
I want to tell you that I received the certificate you mailed me and also to thank you for giving me this opportunity with the FSNEP Program. Now I cook more healthy for my family and I also learned how to prevent bacteria from spreading into my meats and dairy products. I make sure I refrigerate them promptly. I read the dates on dairy products, eggs and all my foods so they will last longer. My last lesson taught me to shop and save money. I learned a lot and I have used all of the recipes you mailed with the lessons. Thank you very much for your program.
Merary from Lindsay (translated from Spanish)
I had been so worried about my family's nutrition habits. Then I had the opportunity to study by mail and it was free!! I was very satisfied and I also received a certificate after I completed the program. I appreciate your program very much.
Toni from Dinuba
In recent weeks I have taken upon myself two challenges. One challenge came with the discovery that I have high blood pressure as well as high cholesterol. I have no choice, I must cut back on my salt intake along with reducing my consumption of fats. And I must admit I need to lose a few pounds in the interest of improving my health.
The other challenge I face is voluntary. I was asked to take this Learn at Home nutrition course through the
I am more aware of my food choices, and make a conscious effort to cut back on my portions of certain foods such as meats, foods containing lots of fats and refined sugars. I add more grains, vegetables and fruits. There is good, sound advice, ideas and even recipes to help do all of this each lesson. I read labels more, fresh is best, frozen is far better than canned. That information alone is helping me cut back substantially on my salt.
I can't say I follow all the rules of good nutrition all the time. If I did, I don't think I would personally sty the course. But I believe when it comes to nutrition, that knowledge (the more the better) is the key to right choices. And moderation is the key to all the rest.
I will go back to my doctor soon to check on my progress. I know the medication I receive for my blood pressure has helped. But I cannot rule out the influence this course has had on my health. I have lost to date 10 pounds. I will continue to use the tools I have learned in the lessons. And I believe this course will be very helpful for others as well.
Angelina from Visalia
My name is Angelina. This small note is to give thanks to the Evenstart program for giving us the opportunity to meet Dolores Vallejo who gave us Nutrition classes where I learned many things I never knew before. Thanks for the classes given by Dolores who taught me how to read labels of the products we use at home to cook with. Since then, I decided to pay more attention to the foods that we eat at home.
Due to the classes I started a healthy diet. When I started these classes in March, I weighed 200 pounds and now in May I weigh 184 pounds.
Thank you Dolores for your help.
For more information on the School Nutrition Education program or any of the curriculum please contact:
Teresa Spicer
Nutrition Program Manager
4437B South Laspina Street
Tulare, CA 93274
559-684-3319
