Nebraska Extension helps connect Nebraskans with the resources, research and innovation of the University of Nebraska. Nebraska Extension is dedicated to helping Nebraskans live their best, healthiest lives by fostering environments, policies and systems that enable health. The Nutrition Education Program (NEP) is one way Nebraska Extension fosters health by using evidence-based, comprehensive approaches to engage low-income families to make healthier food and physical activity choices on a limited budget.
NEP in Lancaster County presents hands-on, interactive educational programs in over 50 community partner sites each year, reaching thousands of individuals and families ranging from early childhood to older adults. NEP has a wide variety of evidence-based approaches to foster improved health and wellness practices for community members, from soccer clubs that emphasize sports nutrition and physical activity to classes that address hypertension and other chronic diseases in addition to general nutrition for healthy living.
NEP Hypertension class participants at El Centro learn how the MyPlate food groups fit into a heart healthy eating pattern.
NEP in Lancaster County presents hands-on, interactive educational programs in over 50 community partner sites each year, reaching thousands of individuals and families ranging from early childhood to older adults. NEP has a wide variety of evidence-based approaches to foster improved health and wellness practices for community members, from soccer clubs that emphasize sports nutrition and physical activity to classes that address hypertension and other chronic diseases in addition to general nutrition for healthy living.
NEP Hypertension class participants at the Asian Community and Culture Center learn the proper method of measuring blood pressure.
Ukrainian NEP Hypertension class participants make their own spice blends after a “Spice is Nice” activity to learn methods of reducing sodium or salt intake.
Since 2023, NEP in Lincoln has increased collaboration with New American audiences to identify and address their nutrition and health needs and has impacted over 600 people in New American families with nutrition and healthy living education. NEP is also addressing chronic disease concerns with New American populations by incorporating hypertension-specific classes and equipping individuals with blood pressure monitors and education. Participants are encouraged to track blood pressure over time and use the tracking forms to enhance patient-physician communication and care. More information about the hypertension classes.
Additionally, these relationships with New Americans and partnership organizations enabled an innovative project led by Extension with support from the National Association of City and County Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that focused on developing culturally responsive nutrition education materials for infants and toddlers for Middle Eastern cultures and languages. The project emphasizes a community-driven approach, so it included collaborating with and providing monetary support to eight Middle Eastern families and six cultural liaisons to develop the educational resources. Find the nutrition resources for the First 1,000 Days of life in five written and audio languages.
