2007 Fact Sheet
1. The Minnesota Nutrition Education Programs (NEP) provide nutrition and food resource management education to food stamp eligible families to increase their ability to make wise use of their food and financial resources.
2. In 2006, NEP completed its 16th year in Minnesota, delivering education in 85 of 87 counties in the state.
3. NEP serves families with young children, youth, adults, and seniors.
4. In 2006, Minnesota NEP was funded with approximately $6.3 million from the USDA, matched by approximately $6.3 million from state and local partners.
5. In 2006, a total of 231,031 direct contacts were established. Nearly all of these direct contacts were made with 57,261 participants who completed an average of 6 hours of nutrition education. Research indicates a minimum of 6 hours of education is necessary to influence long lasting behavior change.
6. Indirect contacts were established with more than 1,019,154 individuals and families. These indirect contacts included the audiences for one-on-one and while-you-wait teaching episodes, as well as, contacts made through newspapers, newsletters, social marketing campaigns, exhibits, brochures, media activities, etc.
7. As a result of the Minnesota NEP, participants utilized a variety of personal and community resources to adopt safe, nutritious, and economical food practices.
8. Of the youth who studied food safety, 74% showed improved behavior change.
9. Of those participants who studied food security, 60% of adults, and 52% of seniors showed improved behavior change.
10. Of those who studied diet quality, 75% of youth, 78% of adults, and 77% of seniors showed improved behavior change.
11. Of those who studied shopping and resource management, 74% of youth, 70% of adults, and 65% of seniors showed improved behavior change.
12. The program integrates the research and talents of the University of Minnesota faculty with the University of Minnesota Extension Service field staff to develop relevant and scientifically supported programming and curriculum.
13. Nutrition education programming was delivered by a staff of 110 Nutrition Education Assistants with support from 12 Regional Extension Educators, and a variety of faculty, administrators, and support staff.
14. The Minnesota NEP will continue to link programming efforts to social policy changes recognizing personal responsibility and self-sufficiency.
Success Story:
As part of a classroom exercise at the local Area Learning Center, the Nutrition Education Assistant had English Language Learners read labels and determine the amount of sugar in common beverages they purchased for their families.
A Somalian mother of 6 was surprised that beverages that displayed pictures of fruits on their packaging could actually contain very little juice. After the class, she told the Nutrition Education Assistant that she frequently purchased items based on the picture displayed on the label, but after the class on beverages, she was a much better consumer. "Now I can read labels and look for 100% juice instead of looking at pictures."
Submitted by Kathy Roycraft
Nutrition Education Assistant
Waseca County, South Central Region
