The Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Service Nutrition Education and Outreach Programs are part of the Extension Family and Community Health Program and the College of Public Health and Human Sciences. These programs engage with communities across Oregon to provide nutrition education to thousands of limited income youth, families, and adults through its two national nutrition education programs funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed), in partnership with the Oregon Department of Human Services.
- Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP).
Through research-based strategies, these programs focus on obesity prevention through community collaborations and engagement, particularly via the signature Food Hero social marketing initiative, to help make the healthy choice the easy choice. Educational programming teaches families and individuals practical skills that promote healthy eating and physical activity based on the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Additionally, the SNAP Outreach program raises awareness of SNAP and provides information about applying for benefits.
OSU Extension Service
OSU Extension seeks to engage the people of Oregon with research-based knowledge and education that strengthens communities and economies, sustains natural resources, and promotes healthy families and individuals. In addition to faculty and specialists stationed in every county of the state, Extension oversees a corps of 18,000 trained Extension volunteers, representing the equivalent of 1,000 full-time employees in service to Oregon. The Extension Family and Community Health (FCH) program serves Oregonians through education, community partnerships, and action. FCH focuses on programs that promote healthy communities, healthy families, and healthy individuals.
