Evalutation of Two Nutrition Education Programs: The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Out for Lunch (OFL)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the behavior changes, barriers to preparing healthy meals, quality of life and internal locus of control with two nutrition education programs EFNEP and OFL. Data for this study were collected by surveying participants in the EFNEP and OFL Program before and after participation in the programs. The research was guided by the following questions. (1) Do participants change behavior after participating in EFNEP or OFL?; (2) Are participants able to overcome barriers that prevent them from preparing healthy meals after participating in EFNEP or OFL?; (3) Do participants demonstrate an increase in their quality of life after participating in EFNEP or OFL?; (4) Do participants experience changes in their perceived control of their environment after participating in EFNEP or OFL?, and (5). What effect, if any, does the method of program delivery have on change in behaviors, overcoming barriers to healthy meals, a change in locus of control and quality of life after participating in EFNEP or OFL? Among the 268 respondents, there were 141 respondents from the OFL Program and 127 from EFNEP. The majority of the participants were female, African-American, between the ages of 21-30 and had a high school education or less. Data analysis revealed participation in EFNEP and OFL nutrition education programs influences behavior change with low-income clients and perceived quality of life improved for respondents after participating in the two programs. Participation in EFNEP and OFL did not impact clients in overcoming barriers in preparing healthy meals, and participation in the programs did not seem to have an influence on the perceived control of one's life. Changes in behavior were not dependent on the method of delivery for the two programs EFNEP and OFL.

Description

Keywords

low-income, EFNEP, food stamps, nutrition education

Citation

Degree

EdD

Discipline

Extension Education

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