JACKSON, Miss. -- Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant named May 14, 2019, a day to recognize 50 years of successful programing by the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, or EFNEP.

The proclamation honors EFNEP graduates, volunteers and Extension Service educators and agents in Mississippi who have worked tirelessly to enhance quality of life for the clients they serve. EFNEP is a grassroots initiative of the Mississippi State University Extension Service working with cooperating county, state and federal partners. The program benefits limited-resource families and young people.

The governor’s proclamation honors EFNEP for teaching parents, caregivers and young people the essentials of nutrition, food safety, food preparation, physical activity and food resource management.

Twenty-two EFNEP educators located in 19 Mississippi counties provide tailored classes to meet the specific needs of program participants. Participants learn to prepare healthy food, plan meals, stretch food dollars and increase physical activity.

EFNEP helps families acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to change behaviors and improve lives. Taught by peer educators, a series of classes aims to increase the number of healthy children, young people and families. Peer educators also cultivate a sense of personal success, which motivates participants to finish high school, pursue a GED or training program and find employment.

For more information, contact the local county Extension office or visit http://happyhealthy.extension.msstate.edu.