EFNEP offers classes on healthy, budget-conscious eating and physical activity
Bobby and Michele Burke were looking for a fresh start. Moving to Manteca in 2024 was just the first step – and the beginning of their journey toward improved health and wellness.
In their brand-new environment, thousands of miles from their hometown in Maryland, the Burkes faced financial difficulties and sought a greater sense of community. The couple began attending a local church, which provided food boxes on a biweekly basis.
One day, a nutrition educator handed them a flyer for a class offered by the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) at the Second Harvest of the Greater Valley Food Bank.
“We’d had challenges with our health in the past, so we were looking for tips and strategies on how to be healthier,” recalled Bobby Burke.
Federally funded by the United States Department of Agriculture, EFNEP is delivered through the University of California Cooperative Extension in 19 counties across the state to promote nutrition and physical activity for income-eligible youth and adults.
Over the nine-week course in San Joaquin County, the Burkes attended every session and put many of the lessons into practice in their everyday lives.
“With the skills and knowledge they gained, Bobby and Michele are making meaningful changes to improve their health and well-being,” said Danny Vang, the EFNEP community education specialist who taught the course.
Lessons benefit physical and financial health
The Burkes especially enjoyed the food demonstrations, which introduced them to new ingredients and recipes. Honing their knife skills during the program, Bobby and Michele became more confident in the kitchen and felt empowered to get creative with the items in their food boxes.
Applying MyPlate guidelines, they increased their intake of fruits and vegetables, learned portion control for protein and expanded their diet to include plant-based protein options.
“We love the recipes in the EFNEP cookbook,” Bobby Burke said. “Skillet lasagna and lentil tacos are some of our new favorites!”
Inspired by the “Get Moving” class in Week 2, the couple began incorporating regular physical activity into their weekly routine. For Bobby, who has struggled with weight management, these small changes made a significant difference in how he felt.
“I lost five pounds just in the nine weeks of the course,” he said.
The Burkes also learned that simple, healthy meals can be budget-friendly, too. They learned to stretch their food dollars through money-saving strategies like using unit pricing and buying store brands instead of “name brands.”
EFNEP fosters community, network of support
Through their participation in the EFNEP course, the couple also learned about other useful resources in the area, such as local farmers’ markets and food banks.
EFNEP also strengthened their sense of belonging. They shared their experiences and lessons with their new friends and encouraged others in their church community to participate in the program as well.
“Through EFNEP, we really felt more closely connected to the community,” Bobby Burke explained.
That network of support and mutual learning can only help them on their journey toward greater health and well-being, Vang noted.
“Their story highlights the transformative power of education, connection, and access to resources,” Vang said, “and how small, consistent changes can lead to lasting health improvements.”
