EFNEP Grant Year Recap

Published: 2020
By Leah Gramlow

In the 2020 grant cycle, $57,119 in Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) support was provided to Missoula County which included two staff members, Julia Goar and Johnny Peña, at 40 hours/week for approximately five months, educational supplies including food samples and other educational materials for program participants, facility costs, and travel expenses to get to and from community organizations throughout Missoula County. This past year, 204 classes were taught in Missoula County, with an average of 4.65 classes per week during the grant year. Educators reached 26 adults and 604 youth! Behavior Change from 'Eating Smart, Being Active' series in Missoula County (Educators Combined): 91% of participants showed improvement in one or more diet quality indicators (i.e., eating fruits, vegetables, red and orange vegetables, dark green vegetables, drinking less regular soda (not diet), drinking less fruit punch, fruit drinks, sweet tea, or sports drinks, and cooking dinner at home). 73% of participants showed improvement in one or more physical activity behaviors (i.e., exercising for at least 30 minutes, doing workouts to build and strengthen muscles, or making small changes to be more active). 82% of participants showed improvement in one or more food safety practices (i.e., washing hands before preparing food, washing all items and surfaces after cutting raw meat or seafood, not thawing frozen food at room temperature, or using a meat thermometer). 73% of participants showed improvement in one or more food security indicators (i.e., not eating less than you wanted so there was more food for your family or having enough money to get food for your family). Behavior Change from 'Youth Understanding MyPlate' series in Missoula County (Educators Combined): 82% of children and youth improved their diet quality via their ability to choose foods according to Federal Dietary Recommendations or gained knowledge. 36% of children and youth improved their physical activity practices or gained knowledge. 50% of children and youth use safe food handling practices more often or gained knowledge. We are thankful for Julia Goar and Johnny Peña’s work in Missoula County in 2020 and we welcome Kayla Martin and Molly Murphy Moran to the team to continue exceptional service to Missoula County this year.