A culturally relevant nutrition education program targeting Hmong immigrants

Abstract

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is a unique program funded by the USDA designed to assist limited‐resource audiences in acquiring the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behavior necessary for improved health. The program is intended to contribute to their personal development and the improvement of the total family diet and nutritional well‐being. California is host to a diverse population and a collaborative effort over several years has resulted in an adaptation of a series of lessons that has overcome linguistic and cultural challenges. The objective of this research project was to deliver a culturally relevant adaptation of the EFNEP curriculum and examine outcomes, using a revised evaluation instrument. The lessons included a learner‐centered approach that was complemented with video clips on meal planning, increasing physical activity, reducing sugar intake and promoting families eating together. The lessons were delivered by bilingual, Hmong paraprofessionals. Seventy‐five participants completed the program. Results included gaining practical skills in food handling and safety and improvement in self‐reported behavior changes, including “planning ahead” for meals and saving money when food shopping. This project serves as a successful model with potential for reaching other underserved diverse populations.