EFNEP Success Stories 2016 - Maricopa

The following stories are examples of how the EFNEP program is impacting participant lives in Maricopa County.

Story 1

At New Life Pregnancy Center, I (educator) had a participant say that she was taking into account and practicing everything she was learning from the nutrition lessons I was teaching. She stated she was also sharing the information with her husband. The participant pointed out that her husband was leaving to work without having breakfast in the mornings and was constantly complaining that he was tired and had lack of energy. But once the participant learned about the importance of breakfast, her husband no longer leaves without eating something in the mornings. Now, according to the participant, her husband feels more energy, doesn't get as tired and is being more productive.

Outcomes: Improved nutrition through class attendance.

Affect on others: Husband of participant now has better nutrition and increased energy by including breakfast in his day as learned by his wife in EFNEP classes

Story 2

At Casa de Amigas, I had a participant that mentioned that she couldn’t remember when the last time she drank water was. She said she was used to drinking coffee throughout the day, plus soda and juice, but she never really drank pure water. A week later, when I came back, she told me she had started to drink water and that she actually liked it. The last time I was there she was excited to share with me that the previous week she had consistently drank two bottles of water each day and she had cut down at least three cups of coffee per day.

Outcomes: Participant started drinking water on a regular basis and decreased the amount of coffee.

Affect on others: Hydration will offer health benefits to participant hopefully avaiding doctor visits, etc.

Story 3

I (educator) go weekly to an ancohol and drug addiction rehabilitation center. Last year, I read 3 books about the importance of good nutrition as it relates to helping people not relapse that are in rehab. I know that they have a good chance of staying clean and sober if they take these new good habits that they are forming in this 45 day program and bring it out into the world with them. Basic self care includes what they put in their mouth. We go through the lessons and we talk about triggers for them and weight gain comes up often. For many of the participants in this program, they begin to gain weight while in rehab. We talk about serving sizes, drinking more water, not having 2nds, etc. I am convinced that if nutrition is addressed early on, they have a much better chance of staying clean and sober when they leave the rehab program. I count myself blessed to come alongside them weekly in their questt to live a healthier life.

Outcomes: The treatment center is addressing the importance of good nutrition by having me come in and teach there weekly to the women. I also have a male co-worker who goes in weekly to teach the men. In addition, they have a dietitian making sure that they have nutritious meals. Water is provided at all times as well as an exercise room with weights and a basketball court

Affect on others: The staff staff person that oversees my classes has lost about 10 pounds and quit drinking soda on her breaks. I can see lots of success and interest in each one of the participants. Each has different concerns and they have a safe place to share their burdens and fears.

Story 4

Parent feels like she gained much knowledge in proper nutrition and eating habits as well as proper exercise. She now prepares healthier meals for her entire family. She gained great knowledge on how to read food labels. This made a positive impact on nutrition.

Outcomes:

Eating habits changed.
Shopping habits changed

Affect on others:

Affected the children
Affected the parents

Story 5

At Emmanuel’s Church, a participant came up to me after class and thanked me for teaching them. The participant said she had learned the importance of portion control and exercise. The participant said she never included vegetables on her plate, and realized she was creating a bad habit for her children. According to the participant, she is now including vegetables and making sure each member of her family stays active with at least 30 minutes of exercise.

Outcomes: Adding vegetables and exercising 30 minutes a day.

Affect on others: The parent is creating a healthier habit for her family.

Story 6

Throughout the six weeks of classes, after hearing and being shown the sugar shocker handout as well as the “Water, drink it” handout, a participant decided that her 2, 44 ounce drinks plus other soda at home was just way too much sugar. So, during the six weeks of classes, she no longer buys 44 ounce sodas and has even cut down on the amount of soda that she drinks at home. She and her husband wanted to be better examples to their daughter and I was so proud of their accomplishment to drink more water and less sugary drinks.

Outcomes: The participant felt better after making the change of drinking more water and less soda. She also felt empowered and more self confident as she knew she was modeling healthier behaviors for her daughter.

Affect on others: Others saw her self confidence change in the class, especially her husband and they both participated more in class.

Story 7

One participant is a mother of two, who has taken all of the Nutrition classes offered. She was very inquisitive and very eager to change her family’s life style. She and her family are now attending Zumba and Yoga. She is very conscientious of preparing her family’s meals. She looks very healthy and happy

Outcomes: The most important result was knowing the classes were beneficial and showed when seeing this participant.

Affect on others: Parents have asked this participant what she has done and others are wanting to change their lifestyle.