About Us

The UMass Extension Nutrition Education program (NEP) is one of four UMass Extension programs that address public concerns of high priority for the Commonwealth. We are based in the Department of Nutrition, part of the School of Public Health and Health Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Our programs are closely affiliated with research faculty in several academic departments. The NEP team includes faculty, staff, and graduate students in Amherst and in field offices throughout the Commonwealth.

Programs

NEP promotes healthful food choices, food safety, and physical activity by teaching information and skills to those who need it most. NEP also helps people learn how to use their food resources wisely and access food assistance programs and services. Most often, we work in partnership with other organizations in offering research-based educational programs.

Four NEP programs are at the core of this effort:

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) helps low-income families, especially families with young children, make the most of food dollars, prepare food safely, and build healthful eating and physical activity habits.

The Family Nutrition Program (FNP) works with schools and community organizations to reach food stamp-eligible adults and youth with basic nutrition education and promotion of physical activity.

The Food Safety Education Program provides leadership in the effort to improve food handling practices and spread the word about preventing food-borne illnesses.

The Nutrition and Health Program works with older adults, childcare providers, teachers, parents, and teens on issues relating to dietary recommendations by offering home-study opportunities, on-line courses, video conferences, and newsletters.