From curiosity to confidence: How EFNEP transformed one Arkansan’s health journey
White, of Lee County, was looking for a way to improving her own health and wellbeing and that of her family.
By The U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Aug. 19, 2025
Fast facts:
- Contact county agent for information
- EFNEP offers skill lessons in managing health, food, money
(240 words)
MARIANNA, Ark. — Melodie White found that EFNEP is more than just an acronym; it was
a pathway to a healthier life.
EFNEP stands for Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, a cost-free initiative for limited resource families that takes a holistic approach to healthy eating, food safety and financial and other resource management.
White, of Lee County, was looking for a way to improving her own health and wellbeing and that of her family.
Her curiosity led her to contact the Lee County Office of the Cooperative Extension Service, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
“She was pleasantly surprised to learn that the Cooperative Extension Service offers free, year-round classes that include lesson enhancements and a certificate upon completion,” Louvenia Harris, Lee County EFNEP program assistant.
Through EFNEP, White learned how to build a healthier plate, the importance of regular physical activity, and why nutrition and exercise work best together. She also gained other valuable skills to support a lasting, healthy lifestyle.
She now enthusiastically recommends EFNEP to anyone wanting to quickly learn practical, research-based strategies for better nutrition and fitness.
“I never imagined how much I’d learn, and how quickly I could apply it to my family’s daily life,” White said.
“Ms. White’s story is just one of many successes I’ve seen in your time working with EFNEP,” said Teresa Henson, extension assistant professor-nutrition. “These lessons can be life-changing.”
Learn more about EFNEP in Arkansas.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu/. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
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Media contact: Mary Hightower
mhightower@uada.edu