NUTRITION & WELLNESS
Peoria High School students Edu, Jaqueline, and Daisy enjoyed learning new recipes and cooking skills from EFNEP staff.
Spanish Bilingual EFNEP Programs Reach Broader Audience in Peoria Extension staff Mari Lopez, Petra Eberle, and Angela Jimenez are forging the way for new Spanish bilingual Expanded Food Nutrition Education Programs in Peoria. Their language skills and cultural understanding have been instrumental in bringing cooking classes and nutrition education to Hispanic youth and adults.
EXPANDED FOOD & NUTRITION EDUCATION PROGRAM (EFNEP) Through hands-on classes that focus on improving eating habits and physical activity, EFNEP staff serve limited-resource families in Peoria and Tazewell counties.
1,931
Participants
31.6% Adults 68.4% Youth
91 Partners
Community Centers, Food Pantries and Food Banks, Youth Centers, K-12 Schools, Early Childhood Centers
Race and Ethnicity of Adults 64.4% White 29.2% Black 6.2% Other 18.5% Identified as Hispanic
Pictured above: EFNEP instructor Cheryl Russell taught at cooking school. FULTON, MASON, PEORIA, TAZEWELL 12 YEAR IN REVIEW 2018
During 2018, Mari, Petra, and Angela connected with over 400 people at partner sites such as Friendship House, area high school Spanish classes, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, and local churches. The lessons provided recipes that are familiar to Hispanic families, and introduce new foods as well. “I like the fried rice and lasagna recipes best,” mentioned Jaqueline, Peoria High School student. “My family is from Mexico and we don’t make either of those at home. Mari and Angela are good at explaining how we can eat healthier, like eating a good breakfast instead of junk food and how to cook, like using measuring spoons.” The 2017 estimate from the United States Census Bureau indicates 4.8% of the population in Peoria County identifies themselves as Hispanic ethnicity, up from 2.1% in the 2000 census. “We know the information EFNEP staff share with people is so valuable and beneficial,” mentioned Margaret Cover, EFNEP educator. “Being able to bring that to Hispanic families in our area is incredibly important.”
