Maryland EFNEP utilizes evidence-based, practice-tested, and research-based curricula to teach participants in adult and youth programs.
Adult Curriculum
Maryland EFNEP uses the Eating Smart • Being Active, an evidence-based curriculum (ESBA) from Colorado State University. The curriculum has nine lessons focused on healthy eating and active living. ESBA is designed to be taught by paraprofessionals in a series. The core component of lessons includes physical activity, nutrition, healthy lifestyle choices, food preparation (cooking skill development), food safety, and food resource management.
ESBA curriculum also contains three maternal and infant nutrition lessons as a supplement to the core nine lessons:
Youth Curriculum
Maryland EFNEP program utilizes three curricula for youth: “Up for the challenge”; “Choose Health, Food, Fun & Fitness (CHFFF)”; and “Growing Healthy Habits.”
Up for the Challenge is a research-based fitness, nutrition, and health curriculum developed by the University of Maryland Extension. The curriculum is designed for school-aged, middle school, and teen youth. The curriculum is divided into five chapters, with each chapter containing multiple lessons in physical activity, nutrition, and healthy decision-making.
Choose Health: Food, Fun, and Fitness is a research-based curriculum developed by Cornell University’s Division of Nutritional Sciences in collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program. The curriculum consists of six hands-on lessons for 8-12-year-olds (grades 3-6). CHFFF targets evidence-based behaviors for preventing obesity and chronic disease: less sweetened drinks, fewer high-fat, and high-sugar foods, more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and active play.
Growing Healthy Habits (SNAP-ED/University of Maryland Extension curriculum) is a practice-tested gardening and nutrition education curriculum designed to inspire learners to increase their consumption of fruit and vegetables. The curriculum is appropriate for grades K-5.