Situation:
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 presented pragmatic and logistic challenges to conduct traditional face-to-face, hands-on, and interactive Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) workforce training. In order to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and overcome the hindrance of social distance, the EFNEP management team developed a creative and strategic plan to transition face-to-face training to virtual learning for our EFNEP staff and EFNEP participants. Since 1969, EFNEP remains devoted to reaching low-income citizens where they are and embracing best practices for (virtual) learning. Clemson University’s EFNEP team utilized the EFNEP National Guidelines for Social Media and best practices for effective online teaching to develop EFNEP virtual online learning workforce development training.
Educational Response:
From March to the present, Marlyne Walker, Registered Dietitian and EFNEP Training Coordinator/State Specialist, has conducted and facilitated five different virtual workforce development trainings. Some of the trainings were multiple-day trainings totaling over 40 hours. The EFNEP workforce trainings are designed for EFNEP nutrition educators to teach EFNEP participants, youth, and adults. All the EFNEP interactive trainings were held via Zoom. The initial training consisted of Tips to Reach and Teach EFNEP participants/online classes. It was a collaborative effort conducted with the EFNEP management team along with an EFNEP agent. Also, Walker trained nine newly hired EFNEP nutrition educators on the adult curriculum and middle/high school curriculum. In addition, Walker planned quarterly EFNEP Check-In. She has facilitated two EFNEP Check-In for all EFNEP team members. The purpose of the EFNEP Check-In is to promote team building, review nutrition concepts, and/or demonstrate ways to engage and interact with EFNEP participants online.
Outcome/ Impact:
After attending the EFNEP training, 100% of EFNEP nutrition educators reported being able to use some, most, or all of the content/ strategies in their county program. EFNEP nutrition educators were able to reach 306 adults with 100% graduation (completing series of nine lessons) and changes in decrease consumption of solid fat and added sugar (SoFAS) and 81% improvement in food resource management. In addition, EFNEP nutrition educators reached 2,326 youth (130 groups) with 82% graduation that is completing a series of six lessons. The end of year report revealed 82% of youth improved diet quality and 57% improved physical activity.
Submitted by: Marlyne Walker, State EFNEP Specialist, Senior Extension Agent
Congratulations to the EFNEP team, for such a great effort to adapt their work to the COVID-pandemic and graduate 100% of those in need of nutrition education programs to improve their lifestyles and quality of life.