Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

Helping Connecticut Families Eat Smart and Live Well

Welcome to the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) at UConn! prepared food in fridge
We’re here to help you and your family build healthier habits—without breaking the bank.

What We Do

EFNEP offers free, hands-on nutrition education to limited-resource families across Connecticut. Our programs are designed to help you:

  • Eat healthier with simple, affordable recipes
  • Shop smart and stretch your food dollars
  • Get active with fun, family-friendly physical activities
  • Cook confidently with easy, practical skills
  • Build community through shared learning and support

Learn by Doing

Our classes are interactive and supportive. You’ll cook, move, and learn alongside others in your community—building skills that last a lifetime.

Why EFNEP?

Since 1968, EFNEP has empowered families to make positive changes in their health and well-being. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or young adult, we’re here to support your journey toward a healthier lifestyle.

Featured Fact Sheets

blender-full-of-healthy-food-and-protein-powder-unsplash

The Health Benefits of Protein Powders

Protein powders have become a popular addition to the diet for Americans of all ages and in particular, teens, young adults, and sports athletes.

red bag of hot dog buns with a best before Feb 29 date on them

Expiration, Use-By and Sell-By Dates: What Do They Really Mean?

The dates on food packaging can be confusing. Most dates tell you when the food tastes best, not when it is unsafe.

chickpeas in a bowl

The Health Benefits of Chickpeas

Americans have dramatically increased the use of chickpeas in their diets, over the past few years, particularly in the form of hummus.

woman looking into a blue wallet near produce at a grocery store.

Nutrient-Dense Foods on a Budget: Eat Well, Spend Less

Eating healthy doesn't have to mean spending more money. Many of the most nutrient-dense foods are some of the most budget-friendly foods.

Get Started Today

Find a class near you or explore our collection of recipes, videos, and resources. Let’s make healthy living simple—and fun!

Request an EFNEP Workshop

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Funding and Partnerships

Since 1968, EFNEP has been funded by the United States Department of Agriculture and is an integral part of the University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension System. Currently, it is one of the federal government’s longest running educational outreach programs targeted to low-income families. Specially trained EFNEP Nutrition Assistants, who know their communities well, work with program families in their homes or in small community groups to offer knowledge and skills to help people control and manage their food and nutrition practices for better health and quality of life. In combination with food assistance programs such as WIC or the USDA Food Stamp Program, EFNEP can make a difference in improving food choices and health.