The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service recognized Jean Noland, Grand Forks County Extension agent, for her integral support of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program during the program's 40th anniversary celebration in Washington, D.C.

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program annually helps more than 500,000 limited-resource families and youth make sound nutrition and health choices. In 2008, the program served 2,500 families.

The program addresses national priorities, such as hunger, health and obesity. Through an experiential learning process, participants learn to make food choices that can improve the nutritional quality of the meals they serve their families. They increase their ability to select and buy nutritional food; gain new skills in food production, preparation, storage, safety and sanitation; and learn to better manage their food budgets and related resources from federal, state and local food assistance agencies and organizations. They also learn about related topics, such as physical activity and health.

"It is exciting and rewarding to receive this award and represent the state of North Dakota," Noland said. "At the end of the day, it is nice to know that I may have somehow made a difference."

In 2008, 94 percent of adults graduating from the program reported improved dietary intake, including an increase of about 0.8 cup equivalent of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, 73 percent of youth graduating from the program reported eating a variety of foods from all groups in their diets.

The hands-on, learn-by-doing approach allows participants to gain the practical skills to make positive behavior changes. Through the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, participants also experience increased self-worth as they recognize that they can improve their own and their family's health.

County Extension family and consumer science professionals provide training and supervise peer educators and volunteers who teach the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program in their local communities. Methods for program delivery include direct teaching in group or individual situations; mailings and telephone teaching to complement other teaching methods; mass media efforts to develop understanding, awareness and involvement in the educational program; and development and training of volunteers to assist with direct teaching of adults and youth.

The Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service distributes congressionally-appropriated funds annually to support the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program at the state level through land-grant university Extension programs. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and Extension programs, the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future.

For more information, go to www.csrees.usda.gov/efnep or www.ag.ndsu.edu/foodwise.