The Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is the nation’s first nutrition education program for low-income populations and is at the forefront of nutrition education efforts to reduce nutrition insecurity of low-income families and youth today.

Nutrition insecurity is a significant national health concern, especially among low-income populations that disproportionately experience poor health. Often associated with food insecurity, nutrition insecurity is characterized by poor nutrition, limited physical activity, and unsafe food practices. 

EFNEP is a federal program that operates through Land Grant universities, like the University of Guam, in every state, the District of Columbia, and the six U.S. territories. EFNEP has operated in Guam since 1981 through UOG Cooperative Extension & Outreach.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food & Agriculture, EFNEP uses education to support participants’ efforts toward self-sufficiency, nutritional health, and well-being. EFNEP combines hands-on learning, applied science, and program data to ensure program effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) is the family education implement of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Guam Department of Public Health & Social Services (DPHSS) manages the SNAP benefits portion of the program and is partnered with UOG Extension to implement SNAP-Ed by providing education that helps family members use SNAP benefits most wisely. Additionally, SNAP-Ed creates community partnerships to prevent obesity in Guam through policy, system, and environmental changes. SNAP-Ed has been active in Guam since 2014.