UMass Extension Programs

Nutrition Education Program

Take me to the Nutrition Education Program website.

Lisa Sullivan Werner, Interim Program Director

The University of Massachusetts Amherst Extension Nutrition Education Program (NEP) provides families with the knowledge and skills for healthier eating through research-based nutrition education that makes a real difference. With field offices throughout Massachusetts, and in partnership with local agencies, organizations, and schools, NEP helps low-income families make the most of their limited food resources. Our program evaluations show that through NEP’s hands-on learning, personal goal-setting, and small changes over time, our participants make healthier food choices, handle foods more safely, and are more physically active – all of which lead to better health.

Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)
EFNEP provides practical, skill-based nutrition education to limited income families with young children and to youth up to age 18 from these families. Adults participate in a series of small group sessions led by an EFNEP educator from their community. The award-winning curriculum Choices: Steps Toward Health emphasizes nutrition, food shopping and food safety while engaging participants in group discussions, cooking demonstrations, food tasting, fun physical activities, and other hands-on learning. Cost effectiveness studies in a number of states have shown that for every dollar spent on EFNEP, $3 to $10 were saved in lower health-care costs and increased productivity. EFNEP youth participate in a series of group sessions, learning about healthy food and beverage choices, food preparation, food safety, and fitness/physical activity.

EFNEP programming is based out of our offices in Brockton, Fall River, Lawrence, Springfield, and Worcester.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed)
SNAP-Ed provides a variety of nutrition education programs and resources for adults and youth who receive or are eligible for SNAP benefits. SNAP-Ed‘s mission is to help SNAP participants make healthy food choices and choose active lifestyles within a limited budget. Programs are planned annually with the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), community agencies, and schools throughout the Commonwealth. SNAP-Ed activities include nutrition education workshops; nutrition lessons and follow-up activities in schools; food demonstrations at farmers’ markets; interactive displays; a website and blog providing healthy recipes, shopping tips, and meal planning ideas; and a toll-free telephone tips line. Print materials include newsletters for teachers, parents, caregivers and children; colorful posters promoting fresh fruits and vegetables; and a daily healthy tips calendar.

Community-based SNAP-Ed programming is based out of our offices in Barnstable, Boston, Brockton, Fall River, Lawrence, South Hadley, Springfield, and Worcester.

University Partnerships:

School of Public Health and Health Sciences

UMass Extension 4-H Youth and Family Development Program