Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System i

 

National Report 

May 2014

Aligning and Elevating University-Based 

Low-Income Nutrition Education through 

the Land-Grant University Cooperative 

Extension System
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System i

NATIONAL PROJECT REPORT

ALIGNING AND ELEVATING UNIVERSITY-BASED

LOW-INCOME NUTRITION EDUCATION THROUGH

THE LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION 

SYSTEM

May 2014

Prepared by

Connie Schneider

Youth, Families, and Communities Director

University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources

For

United States Department of Agriculture

National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition 

and 

Extension Committee on Organization and Policy

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service

Washington, D.C.
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System ii

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements......................................................................................................................... v

Executive Summary....................................................................................................................... vi

Results .................................................................................................................................... vi

Recommendations .................................................................................................................. vi

Aligning and Elevating University-Based Low-Income Nutrition Education through the LandGrant University Cooperative Extension System ........................................................................... 1

Project Overview ............................................................................................................................ 1

Part I. Project Recommendations................................................................................................... 2

University Level Recommendations........................................................................................... 2

1. Understand EFNEP and SNAP-Ed program requirements ................................................ 2

2. Maximize outreach and outcomes through joint efforts with others................................... 3

3. Facilitate a positive delivery system environment to build sustainable partnerships......... 3

4. Consider opportunities for coordination and cooperation.................................................. 4

5. Synthesize operational procedures across programs.......................................................... 4

CES System-Wide Recommendations........................................................................................ 5

 1. Develop a system-wide program reporting, representation, and support plan .................. 5

2. Develop a system-wide research and outcome agenda ....................................................... 5

3. Establish a communication repository ................................................................................ 6

Suggestions for National Partners............................................................................................... 6

Administration ......................................................................................................................... 6

Communication........................................................................................................................ 6

Messaging................................................................................................................................ 6

Evaluation................................................................................................................................ 6

Research .................................................................................................................................. 7

Part II. Project Findings................................................................................................................. 7

Project Strategies......................................................................................................................... 7

 Agency and Organizational Leadership Meeting in Washington DC..................................... 7

Environmental Scan of EFNEP and SNAP-Ed Program Coordinators.................................. 7

Working Group........................................................................................................................ 8

Project Findings........................................................................................................................... 8
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System iii

Initial Considerations Identified for Interagency Collaboration ............................................ 8

Environmental Scan................................................................................................................. 8

Geographic and Program Representation .............................................................................. 9

Program Placement within the University Structure .............................................................. 9

Personnel Oversight ................................................................................................................ 9

Statewide and Local Nutrition Program Planning................................................................ 10

Local/County Leadership ...................................................................................................... 11

Internal Stakeholders............................................................................................................. 12

A Socio-Ecological Vision for Community Nutrition Education........................................... 13

Nutrition Education Delivery ................................................................................................ 14

Communicating Outcomes and Impacts................................................................................ 14

Coordination between EFNEP and SNAP-Ed Programs...................................................... 15

Factors Affecting Ability to Lead Programs.......................................................................... 16

Relationships with Implementing Agencies Outside of LGU-CES ........................................ 17

Legislative Changes - Switch of the SNAP-Ed Cost Share to Grant Program...................... 19

References..................................................................................................................................... 21

Appendix I: Coordination and Cooperation Considerations........................................................ 22

EFNEP and SNAP-Ed State Level Relationships..................................................................... 22

LGU-CES State and Local Relationships ................................................................................. 22

LGU-CES and Other Implementing Agency Relationships ..................................................... 23

Appendix II: Recommendations for ECOP Leadership and Federal Agencies........................... 24

Administration........................................................................................................................... 24

Communication ......................................................................................................................... 24

Messaging.................................................................................................................................. 24

Evaluation.................................................................................................................................. 25

Research .................................................................................................................................... 25

Appendix III: Align and Elevate Working Group Members....................................................... 26

Northeast Region....................................................................................................................... 26

Southern Region........................................................................................................................ 26

North Central Region ................................................................................................................ 26

North Central Region Continued............................................................................................... 26

Western Region......................................................................................................................... 26
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System iv

1890........................................................................................................................................... 26

Appendix IV: Environmental Scan Quantitative Data................................................................. 27

Scan Section: Land-Grant (LGU) Demographic Characteristics.............................................. 27

Scan Section: University Structure ........................................................................................... 28

Scan Section: Leadership levels - State and Local (County) Structure and Responsibilities... 28

Scan Section: Internal and External Stakeholders..................................................................... 31

Scan Section: Community Nutrition Education Vision ............................................................ 32

Scan Section: Nutrition Education Program Delivery and Partner Relationships.................... 33

Scan Section: EFNEP and SNAP-Ed Relationships................................................................. 35
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System v

Acknowledgements

This report is for the project, Aligning and Elevating University-Based Low-Income Nutrition 

Education through the Land-Grant University Cooperative Extension System (LGU-CES). 

Appreciation is extended to Dr. Robert Holland, Deputy Director, Institute of Food Safety and 

Nutrition at the National Institute of Nutrition and Agriculture (NIFA), who funded this project 

in response to a request from Dr. Douglas L. Steele and Dr. Daryl Buccholz, former Chairs of the 

Extension Committee on Organization and Policy, the governing body of the Land-Grant 

Universities' Cooperative Extension System.

Special mention is given to the project working group members and project team members for 

their valued input into the development of and review of the environmental scan, discussions 

related to findings, and recommendations. 

Working Group

Linda T. Drake, University of Connecticut

Kimberly Klinger, University of Florida 

Debbie Luppold, University of New Hampshire 

Peggy Martin, Iowa State University, retired

Melissa K. Maulding, Purdue University

Megan Ness , North Dakota State University

Joan Doyle Paddock, Cornell University

Amanda R. Scott, MS, RD, LD, Texas A&M 

AgriLife Extension Service

Michelle L. Vineyard, University of Tennessee

Mary Kay Wardlaw, University of Wyoming

Mary Wilson, University of Nevada, Reno

Virginie Zoumenou, University of Maryland –

Eastern Shore

University of California 

Project Team

Susan Donohue, EFNEP Leadership Chair

David Ginsburg, Director UC CalFresh

Latonya Harris, Evaluator

Lucia Kaiser, Nutrition Specialist

Connie Schneider, Youth, Families and

Communities Director

Dorothy Smith, Nutrition, Family and 

Consumer Sciences Advisor

Many thanks go to Dr. Helen Chipman, National Program Leader, Food and Nutrition Education 

for NIFA, USDA, who contributed many hours in reviewing various drafts and offering 

invaluable editorial assistance and encouragement. A special thank you is given to Ms. Stephanie 

Blake, NIFA and Ms. Sandy Jensen, SNAP-Ed Land-Grant University System for their technical 

expertise.

Recognition and gratitude goes to the senior leadership from NIFA and Food and Nutrition 

Services (FNS) who attended the 2013 Washington D.C. agency and organizational meeting with 

representatives from the Land-Grant University Cooperative Extension System and the 

Association of Public Land-Grant Universities to share their visions and opportunities for a 

system wide approach. Finally, special thanks go to all LGU-CES EFNEP and SNAP-Ed 

Coordinators and Directors who responded to the environmental scan. 

This report is reflective of contribution, time, and expertise of many colleagues and staff within 

the LGU-CES. Without the dedication and commitment of all these individuals, this report 

would not be available.
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System vi

Executive Summary

The nation's Land-Grant University Cooperative Extension System (LGU-CES) is committed to 

ensuring that low-income populations have a safe, affordable, and healthy food supply. Two lowincome nutrition education programs that are core to this commitment are the Expanded Food 

and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program 

Education (SNAP-Ed), which are funded by United States Department of Agriculture’s National 

Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), respectively. 

Leadership from the CES Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP) requested 

the assistance of NIFA to facilitate improved alignment and visibility of EFNEP and SNAP-Ed 

within the LGU-CES, given the importance of both programs to their organizational mission and 

the health needs of the country's low-income populations. 

NIFA’s Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition issued a special project competitive award to 

develop recommendations for system-wide alignment of these programs by: 1) hosting a meeting 

with senior agency and organizational leadership in Washington DC; 2) conducting an 

environmental scan of EFNEP and SNAP-Ed coordinators; and 3) assembling a working group 

of LGU-CES experts to inform the recommendations. The University of California's Division of 

Agriculture and Natural Resources received the award and convened an expert working group 

with regional and programmatic diversity to participate in the national meeting and help develop

the scan and recommendations. The meeting of federal officials and university representatives 

took place in Washington DC in April 2013. Shared visions and potential strategies for aligning 

program quality and effectiveness were discussed. 

Results

At the senior agency and organizational leadership meeting, LGU-CES representatives identified 

potential strategies for aligning program quality and effectiveness within five areas of focus: 

advocacy, communication, messaging, research, and evaluation. LGU-CES leaders noted that as 

program reach increased and effective outcomes were being recognized, nutrition education was 

changing participant behavior.

Sixty-five coordinators responded to the environmental scan for a 68% response rate. Scan

results revealed that organizational and leadership structures varied. Results from the leadership 

meeting and scan indicated what is working well and what may be done to strengthen and 

improve EFNEP and SNAP-Ed at the university level and by Cooperative Extension, as a total 

system.

Recommendations

Recommendations are given for university consideration and for national leadership. University

level recommendations include strategies, discussion, and assessment topics that might be 

considered for each university, with other LGU-CES in the state, and with other agencies that 

implement nutrition education. National recommendations include actions that ECOP leadership 

and federal partners might take to strengthen low-income nutrition education programming.
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System vii

Within each state’s university and cooperative extension organization, internal stakeholders need 

a better understanding of the low-income nutrition education programs, including federal 

funders' and program leaderships' visions and priorities. Other key recommendations for 

extension directors/administrators, program coordinators, and program leaders are to:

 Ensure university/state office and local accountability for each program and for key 

positions, regardless of organizational structure.

 Increase synergy between EFNEP and SNAP-Ed within universities to help meet each 

program's operational needs and potential for impact. 

 Work jointly with internal and external partners to coordinate reach, leverage resources, 

and distinguish between nutrition education enhancement and duplication to maximize 

the effectiveness of outreach and outcomes.

 Establish and/or strengthen a spirit of cooperation and positive competition to facilitate 

an affirmative delivery system environment and build sustainable partnerships.

 Transition partnerships from relationships existing solely between individuals to 

relationships among respective organizations to help sustain continuity between partners 

during times of organizational or community change.

Universities are encouraged to assess and align EFNEP and SNAP-Ed programming within their

structure and with other implementing agencies that also deliver SNAP-Ed. The type and amount 

of integration will be specific to needs; the goal should be to maximize the respective 

contributions of partners within and outside the LGU-CES and to achieve the greatest benefit for 

the target population. 

Regional and national efforts are underway to strengthen evaluation outcomes, impacts, and 

complementary research. A key priority is to have the ability to aggregate outcomes and impacts 

at state and national levels, such as the process EFNEP is using through WebNEERS.

Additional system-wide considerations for ECOP are to: 

 Drive development of a system-wide advocacy plan for low-income nutrition education.

 Continue with regional and nation-wide evaluation and research committees.

 Develop a research plan for EFNEP and SNAP-Ed through leveraging non-federal funds.

 Explore the use of eXtension or another web-based system as a repository for LGU-CES 

nutrition programs.

Nationally, enhanced collaboration between NIFA and FNS to address EFNEP and SNAP-Ed 

has emerged over the past several years. The leadership meeting furthered the coordination and 

synergy between NIFA and FNS as they are now exploring joint activities. Suggestions for 

federal partners in conjunction with state/local and LGU-CES efforts to elevate low-income 

nutrition education include:

 Furthering relationships with ECOP to ensure the fulfillment of federal and university 

partners' visions.

 Facilitating improved federal, state, and local communications among all involved in 

administering and executing federal programs.

 Highlighting effective LGU-CES level programs.

 Exploring and improving coordination of data collection and outcome/impact reporting.

 Reviewing funding streams to support research that strengthens comprehensive lowincome nutrition education. 
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 1

Aligning and Elevating University-Based Low-Income 

Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University 

Cooperative Extension System

Project Overview

Land-grant universities (LGUs) are committed to reaching low-income populations through their 

Cooperative Extension System (CES) programs. These institutions are part of a unique 

partnership throughout all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and US territories. Local CES 

offices are located in more than 3,000 counties or regional areas. The National Institute of Food 

and Agriculture (NIFA), as a federal agency, partners closely with the LGU-CES. 

Through the CES and its long-established collaborative community networks, LGUs help 

individuals, families, and communities solve problems using science-based solutions. Healthy 

individuals and families, as well as a safe and affordable food supply are among the CES’s 

strategic priorities. Two federal nutrition education programs that are considered core to the 

LGU-CES in reaching low-income populations are the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education 

Program (EFNEP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Education (SNAP-Ed), 

funded by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and Food and Nutrition 

Services (FNS), respectively, through the United States Department of Agriculture.

EFNEP was implemented in 1969 and is a hallmark LGU-CES program among 1862 and 1890 

institutions in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and US territories. SNAP-Ed, which was 

initially referred to as the Family Nutrition Program or Food Stamp Nutrition Education, was 

implemented by LGUs in 1987, as they sought to expand their nutrition education reach and 

delivery to low-income populations. Currently SNAP-Ed is conducted by LGU-CES in 48 states. 

Implementers from other agencies and organizations also conduct SNAP-Ed.

In 2012, leadership from CES’s governing committee, the Extension Committee on Organization 

and Policy (ECOP), requested NIFA's assistance in better aligning and raising the visibility of 

EFNEP and SNAP-Ed through the CES, given the importance of both programs to the CES

mission and the health needs of low-income populations in this country. NIFA’s Institute of 

Food Safety and Nutrition issued a competitive grants opportunity. The University of California, 

Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources received the award.

The project was charged with developing recommendations to better align and strengthen 

EFNEP and SNAP-Ed within the LGU-CES. Three strategies were used in developing these 

recommendations: 1) hosting a meeting with senior leadership and program representatives from 

NIFA, FNS, ECOP, and the CES regions to learn of their visions and priorities, and consider 

potential strategies for program quality and effectiveness; 2) conducting an environmental scan 

of EFNEP and SNAP-Ed coordinators to better understand their respective organizational and 

program leadership structures as well as identify areas of strengths and needs for program 

alignment; and 3) convening an expert working group of LGU-CES representatives to assist in 

developing the environmental scan, reviewing the national meeting and scan data, and making 

recommendations.
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 2

This report shows what is working well and what may be done to strengthen and improve 

EFNEP and SNAP-Ed at the university level and by Cooperative Extension as a total system. 

Suggestions are also given for the potential role of ECOP leadership and what federal partners 

might do to strengthen low-income nutrition education programming. The report has been 

divided into two sections:

 Part I, Project Recommendations, which contain suggestions for aligning and elevating 

nutrition education programs for low-income audiences within the LGU-CES.

 Part II, Project Strategies and Findings, which describe the approaches used and insights 

gained upon which the recommendations are based. 

The Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP, CES’s governing committee),

NIFA, and FNS are encouraged to take special note of Part I.

CES directors/administrators, program leaders, program coordinators, and other appropriate 

administrators are also encouraged to review Part I, particularly the three university level 

recommendations, and then to determine which are most useful and appropriate for their specific 

structures. Additionally, extension directors/administrators, program leaders, and coordinators 

are encouraged to discuss these recommendations within their respective regions to determine 

what they as universities can do as a Cooperative Extension System.

Part II provides universities with data highlights using text boxes to draw attention to discussion 

points, needs, and suggestions that may be of value in reviewing low-income nutrition education 

programs.

Part I. Project Recommendations

Results from the agency and organizational leadership meeting and the environmental scan 

showed that the LGU-CES is strongly committed to changing behavior and impacting the lives 

of low-income populations through nutrition education. Despite differences in organizational and 

leadership structures and nutrition education and communication systems, attention to a 

common, human element has led to more successful administration, communication, messaging, 

advocacy, and evaluation of EFNEP and SNAP-Ed. Establishing and nurturing relationships, 

having clear communication processes, understanding guidelines and accountabilities, and

working together to problem solve, were processes that worked well. This is not surprising 

considering how critical the human element is for any organization. The following 

recommendations incorporate this human element, while also respecting the unique opportunity 

that LGUs have in strengthening low-income nutrition education nationally through EFNEP and 

SNAP-Ed within the CES. 

University Level Recommendations

1. Understand EFNEP and SNAP-Ed program requirements

 Ensure that internal stakeholders, including directors, administrators, departments, and 

campuses that fall under their purview, understand low-income nutrition education 

programs.
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 3

 Utilize coordinators to provide timely and periodic policy updates.

 Include federal and LGU-CES EFNEP and/or SNAP-Ed state office1program visions and 

priorities during orientation of university and local leaders.

 Ensure that EFNEP and/or SNAP-Ed coordinators understand how their programs fit 

within the broader LGU-CES organizational vision and with stakeholders’ and partners’ 

responsibilities at local, state, and federal levels to achieve and communicate outcomes 

and impacts. 

2. Maximize outreach and outcomes through joint efforts with others

Among the agencies that provide nutrition education, LGU-CES needs to engage and become a 

leader in a shared nutrition education delivery approach – one which recognizes and respects the 

contributions of all partners to resolve programmatic and organizational differences and furthers 

programming among the intended audience. Specific strategies may be to:

 Take a coordinated system-wide approach —both within and beyond LGU-CES, to 

improve nutrition and physical activity of people using a socio-ecological framework

(2010 Dietary Guidelines, p.56). Having multiple partners provides opportunities for 

incorporating a diverse array of interventions to reverse unhealthy environments and 

promote nutrition behavior changes. Leveraging of resources to reach larger numbers of 

persons eligible for programming and facilitating changes in their lives is an important 

outcome that can result with multiple partners.

 Coordinate the reach and scope of programming among partners at all levels to maximize 

potential impact, since funding streams and authorities may target similar low-income

audiences to varying degrees. Overlap of the target audience should be viewed as an 

opportunity to enhance and reinforce improved nutrition-related behaviors (2014 SNAPEd Guidance, p.15). Coordinating activities with partners using strategies from the 

Dietary Guidelines Socio-ecological Framework to further mutual efforts and maximize 

resources is expected (2015 SNAP-Ed Guidance, p.18). 

 Distinguish between nutrition education enhancement and duplication. Duplication of 

effort can be defined as providing the same information to the same people at the same 

time. By contrast, through enhancement, a person may receive key messages through 

different curricula and teaching techniques over time, which enhances learning. Such 

dosing of key messaging can be effective (Economos & Curtatone, 2010; Shilts, Martin, 

& Townsend, 2010). There is a need to understand more fully funders' expectations and 

definitions related to reach and duplication of effort.

3. Facilitate a positive delivery system environment to build sustainable partnerships 

When program resources are limited in the face of great needs, facilitating a positive nutrition 

education delivery environment among partners is essential. Specific strategies for ensuring a 

positive environment may be to:

 Foster greater understanding and respect for complementary programs. Understanding 

missions, values, and funders can promote cooperation and positive competition where 

programs assess their strengths and weaknesses, improve creativity, and increase quality

of service.

 

1 The term “state office” in this report refers to the LGU-CES EFNEP and/or SNAP-Ed coordinator/director and their 

state leadership team. 
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 4

 Build upon the LGU-CES’s recognized strength of establishing a culture of partnerships. 

When initial agreement among individual partners evolves to established relationships 

among people and is transferred to relationships among organizations, there will be 

greater strength among partners at both the local and university levels. A partnership 

culture helps sustain continuity when changes occur in programming, people, and/or 

external influences. In the midst of change, established partnerships can remain strong. 

4. Consider opportunities for coordination and cooperation 

Programmatic administration and leadership opportunities to coordinate and cooperate can 

further strengthen the LGU-CES mission and vision and develop solutions that address their 

community's needs with a higher degree of success that can be shared by all. Specific strategies 

may be to:

 Determine the optimal level of coordination and cooperation between EFNEP and SNAPEd within the institution, regardless of the programmatic leadership structure (e.g., one or 

two coordinators for the two programs). The optimal level of coordination and 

cooperation would be one that creates synergy to further each program’s operational 

needs (outcomes, funder guidelines, involvement by state and local partners), which in 

turn elevates the LGU-CES successes and impacts in addressing the needs of low-income 

populations within the state.

 Ensure that programmatic and fiscal accountabilities are well understood and followed 

regardless of organizational structure.

 Give particular attention to the state office and local program accountabilities, 

organizational relationships, and operations. EFNEP and SNAP-Ed programs have 

programmatic and fiscal accountability that are subject to federal and state requirements. 

Positions of critical responsibility within these programs may lack needed levels of 

authority to achieve expected programmatic accountability. Persons in key university and 

extension positions may not understand the requirements and types of accountability 

associated with these programs. The level of authority needed may be simple or complex 

depending upon university and county/local structure, staff reporting structures, and 

associated personnel policies. Consider program alignment across 1862 and 1890 

institutions. Assess if coordination and cooperation between the low-income nutrition 

programs and the institutions are enough to create synergy to meet each university’s 

program and operational needs (outcomes, funder guidelines, and involvement by state 

and local partners) and to demonstrate the strength of the LGU-CES overall mission 

within the state.

 Assess coordination and cooperation with other low-income nutrition education 

programs, including other implementing agencies that deliver SNAP-Ed. Such 

cooperation should exist at the local, state, and national level.

 Ensure that other state and community agencies are knowledgeable about the full value of 

LGU-CES low-income nutrition education's reach and capacity so that programmatic 

strengths can be realized. 

5. Synthesize operational procedures across programs 

Each institution needs to determine the type and amount of integration that is appropriate to its 

specific organizational structure. Although there is no “one size fits all” solution, there is the 

need to maximize the respective contributions of partners within and outside the LGU-CES for 
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 5

maximum benefit to the target population. Annually review the extent of coordination and 

cooperation between CES EFNEP and SNAP-Ed Programs. This may or may not be addressed 

through a formal agreement and should be done within and across universities where both 1862

and 1890 institutions administer the programs. Refer to Appendix I for details.

CES System-Wide Recommendations

1. Develop a system-wide program reporting, representation, and support plan

 Establish common messaging that clearly distinguishes each program while connecting 

the low-income nutrition education programs to the LGU-CES. This should be driven and 

executed at a system-wide level from a governing body such as the Extension Committee 

of Organization and Policy (ECOP), with input from members of the Board of Human 

Sciences (BoHS2) and National Task Force on Health3, who have worked with these 

programs, program coordinators; and a LGU-CES advocacy expert to provide advocacy 

guidance as appropriate.

 Consider the use of WebNEERS to capture and report program outcomes for both 

EFNEP and SNAP-Ed in a systematic manner.

 Consider reporting protocols so that all levels within the LGU-CES system hierarchy 

have current nutrition program outcome data.

2. Develop a system-wide research and outcome agenda 

EFNEP and SNAP-Ed coordinators clearly recognize the need for outcome reporting and 

research on low-income nutrition education to improve programming and demonstrate the value 

and impact to NIFA, FNS, and national decision makers. Already underway, efforts should 

continue to: 

 Revise and update adult and youth evaluation questions for EFNEP’s evaluation and 

reporting system.

 Explore common measures/indicators that address SNAP-Ed program and LGU priorities 

(a LGU SNAP-Ed Program Development Team project).

 Conduct research on evaluation measures for EFNEP within their five year plan and also 

consider implications for SNAP-Ed (a LGU multi-state research project: NC2169).

The results of this work will showcase distinct strengths and contributions for both programs that 

enable individual and/or environmental changes through improved skills, knowledge, motivation,

and education techniques that initiate behavior change. The combined work will also contribute 

to the public value of these programs under the LGU-CES leadership. Additional support for 

research is needed system-wide to:

 Leverage non-federal funds for multi-state impact studies.

 Encourage universities to communicate with their federal funders for programmatic 

research needs.

 

2 BoHS is an association of administrators with expertise in universities and extension education, programming, 

and research in the human sciences at state and land-grant universities.

3 National Task Force on Health and USDA NIFA are currently working to identify priorities for extension health 

programs.
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 6

3. Establish a communication repository 

Communicating the strength of the LGU-CES low-income nutrition education programs for a 

system-wide reporting and support plan, including venues such as Agriculture is America or 

eXtension, will require system-wide data collection. Aggregation of outcomes and impacts at 

state office and national levels, such as the process EFNEP is using through WebNEERS, is a 

key system-wide priority.

 Consider expanding the Community Nutrition Education Community of Practice, or 

another CES repository for both low-income nutrition education programs to post annual 

reports, share successes and impact stories (with photos and releases) of participants and

staff, and share LGU-CES national and state data.

 Consider using such a repository for piloted projects, complementary research, and a 

‘menu’ of evidence-based approaches that both the public and private sectors can invest 

in to promote healthier eating at the individual, family, and community level.

 Explore expanding the use of eXtension4or other methods as a means of communicating 

within the LGU-CES to strengthen programming system-wide. 

Suggestions for National Partners

An emerging collaboration between NIFA and FNS, particularly with respect to EFNEP and 

SNAP-Ed, has evolved over the past several years. Ongoing interagency discussions are now 

underway for strengthening and reporting on these programs. Coordination of efforts is reflected 

in projects, such as the FNS/NIFA interagency agreement for a LGU to identify best practices 

from a review of state SNAP-Ed plans and reports. Continued dialogue is foundational to LGUCES efforts to strengthen the coordination and synergy of EFNEP and SNAP-Ed, nationally. 

This enhanced dialogue was especially noted at the meeting with senior leadership and program 

representatives, where areas were identified in which federal and LGU-CES partners could 

coordinate efforts. The following suggestions reflect how ECOP and agency leadership could 

help facilitate progress/change. Refer to Appendix II for details.

 Administration: Strengthen the relationship between ECOP as the LGU-CES governance 

body and NIFA/FNS to ensure that federal partners’ visions and priorities can be 

appropriately and effectively implemented through the CES. 

 Communication: Continue efforts to improve federal, state, and local communications 

among all persons directly involved in administering and executing these programs 

through face-to-face and electronic communications. Utilize ECOP and LGU-CES 

processes to enhance communication.

 Messaging: Share effective innovations implemented by state offices that have successful 

processes and/or outcomes. Facilitate the development and sharing of meaningful public 

value outcomes and impacts by articulating the respective and combined strengths of both 

programs. Facilitate training on messaging to assure that LGU-CES and other 

implementing agencies can provide what is needed.

 Evaluation: Continue to explore and improve the coordination of data collection and 

reporting of outcomes and impacts. Develop common indicators for SNAP-Ed, as has 

been done with EFNEP. Expand the use of WebNEERS, which was developed for 

EFNEP to capture SNAP-Ed evaluation. Broadly disseminate findings of high quality 

impact indicators through both agencies.

 

4 eXtension, an interactive learning environment delivering research-based information from LGU system.
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 7

 Research: Review funding streams and identify ways to support research that strengthens 

comprehensive low-income nutrition education program strategies, including, but not 

limited to: a blending of direct nutrition education, community based policy and 

environmental changes related to food and nutrition issues for low-income populations; 

and comparing trend impacts, behavior change, and diet to future health care costs. 

Consider a research working group among LGU-CES researchers and others to solicit 

input on research opportunities that are needed.

Part II. Project Findings

Project Strategies

Agency and Organizational Leadership Meeting in Washington DC

On April 16, 2013, top administrators and organizational 

leadership were invited to an all-day meeting. Scheduling conflicts 

and other delays precluded holding this meeting at the start of the 

project, as initially planned. In retrospect, this turned out to be 

positive. 

With the economic challenges associated with the 2012 Tax Payer 

Relief Act and reductions in federal nutrition program funding, all

partners reinforced the significance of nutrition education.

Administrative and program representatives (Table 1) from NIFA, 

FNS, ECOP, and from CES regions met in person or attended via 

telecommunications at the Association of Public and Land-Grant 

Universities office in Washington DC. The morning session included a project overview, NIFA, 

FNS, and ECOP leaderships' visions of nutrition education, and a facilitated discussion on 

interagency collaboration. A working lunch presentation provided EFNEP and SNAP-Ed 

program highlights. After agency administrators left, the remaining participants discussed 

opportunities and potential challenges in moving forward in a coordinated way.

Environmental Scan of EFNEP and SNAP-Ed Program Coordinators5

Development of the environmental scan began in fall 2012; by spring 2013 the grantee 

institution, in consultation with the UC Davis Institutional Review Board (IRB), determined that 

the study did not constitute Human Subjects Research and therefore an IRB-approved protocol 

and consent forms were not needed. Numerous reviews of the scan and different formats were 

vetted by the working group (Appendix III) and EFNEP and SNAP-Ed representatives at state

office and national levels to ensure that administrative and programmatic similarities and 

differences as well as opportunities and challenges could be identified. Topics from the face-toface meeting with senior leadership were integrated into the scan. As recommended by the 

working group, the scan included optional closed and open-ended questions. The scan was webbased and electronically administered to EFNEP and SNAP-Ed coordinators (~ 95) via LGUCES listservs; follow-up invitations to participate in the survey were provided three times. The 

project was limited in scope to EFNEP and SNAP-Ed as conducted by the LGU-CES.

 

5 The term "coordinator" used in this report refers to persons in positions responsible for directing EFNEP and 

SNAP-Ed statewide within the LGU-CES.

Table 1. Leadership 

Meeting Demographics

(n) %

NIFA 5 15

FNS 5 15

ECOP 2 6

CES Regions

 Northeast 6 18

 North Central 4 12

 Southern 4 12

 Western 6 18

 1890's 1 3

Total attendance 33 100
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 8

Working Group 

A working group of eleven EFNEP and SNAP-Ed coordinators, program leaders, and

administrators were identified to represent those operating low-income based nutrition programs. 

The members that were selected represented persons responsible for one or both nutrition 

programs, large and small programs, a range of experience levels, and various program 

perspectives. The working group chose to communicate electronically and through conference 

calls. Members provided input on the development of the scan; most members also attended the

agency and organizational leadership meeting in Washington DC. Subsequently, they examined 

qualitative and quantitative data from the environmental scan and compared data results and

themes with data from the leadership meeting. Sub-teams helped develop report 

recommendations (Working Group Members Appendix III).

Project Findings

Initial Considerations Identified for Interagency Collaboration 

The agency and organizational leadership meeting was a memorable event, as this was the first 

opportunity that leadership from NIFA and FNS had to jointly share visions with program

implementers. 

A key outcome of the 

meeting was strong 

agreement that 

nutrition education can 

be effective. LGU-CES 

leaders noted that as 

program reach 

increased and effective 

outcomes were being 

recognized, nutrition 

education was 

changing participant 

behavior. However, 

fiscal reductions began

to affect program reach

and LGU-CES’ ability to 

scale nutrition education to match population needs. Thus, leaders discussed vision and efforts to 

improve scale of nutrition education outcomes in light of fiscal reductions. LGU-CES 

representatives identified potential strategies for aligning program quality and effectiveness 

within five areas of focus: advocacy, communication, messaging, research, and evaluation. 

Environmental Scan

Sixty-five coordinators responded to the scan for a 68% response rate. Results were calculated 

based upon the number of responses per question and were considered in the context of the 

LGU-CES (system-wide) and federal implications. 

Potential Strategies for CES and Federal Agencies 

to Align Program Quality and Effectiveness

 Build upon the federal partners’ vision and priorities.

 Draw upon the expertise and experience of CES to strengthen lowincome nutrition education programs through advocacy, research, and 

evaluation. 

 Develop a common advocacy agenda driven by ECOP. 

 Determine a better communication process to share successes, 

outcomes, and impacts.

 Improve clarity in messaging about the importance of nutrition 

education.

 Support increased research including long term results and the 

development of a comprehensive, holistic strategy for obesity prevention 

and treatment through individual and environmental interventions. 

 Improve data aggregation at the national level and share more 

effectively.

 Share best practices to improve health outcomes.

 Show a return on investment such as public value and cost effectiveness 

within demonstrated impacts. 
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 9

Coordinators responded to the majority of questions (the range was 58% -100% per question). 

Fewer responses were given for qualitative questions. All environmental scan data were 

considered for recommendations. Tables, charts, and data that are presented here are highlights. 

Additional details, including the full quantitative scan question results are found in Appendix IV.

Geographic and Program Representation

The majority of coordinators (n=36; 55%) reported for both EFNEP and SNAP-Ed; 18 (28%) 

reported only for EFNEP; and 11 (17%) reported only for SNAP-Ed. All Cooperative Extension 

System (CES) and FNS SNAP-Ed regions were represented (Appendix IV). For confidentiality, 

names of the university/state and location were not requested. Only 1862 and 1890 programs are 

included in this report, since they are the only CES institutions wherein both EFNEP and SNAPEd programming are conducted. Responses from the 1890 LGU-CES were especially high, with 

15 of the 18 coordinators responding. Of the 65 coordinators, 11 (17%) responded that their 

university did not deliver SNAP-Ed, which is not surprising, since not all of the US territories 

and 1862/1890 institutions within the CES have SNAP-Ed programs.

Program Placement within the University Structure 

Land-grant universities share a common focus of reaching out through CES using research and 

non-formal education approaches. Working with community partners, CES helps people, 

businesses, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future. 

Organizational structure and leadership at university and county/regional levels vary in how they 

achieve this focus. 

To understand program leadership, coordinators were asked to identify how EFNEP and SNAPEd were administered. Almost half noted that the same person administered EFNEP and SNAPEd (n=31; 50%) and four (6%) noted that there was one coordinator for both programs but 

different staff for daily operations. Approximately one-third reported having different 

coordinators for each program (n=19, 31%). Eight (13%) noted other forms of administration, 

such as being overseen by different administrators or the program being located in different 

departments, while staffing in the state office may be the same or different for day-to-day 

operations. 

CES location within the university structure varied. The majority of coordinators (n=33; 51%) 

responded that CES was located in a university college or department; more than one-quarter 

(n=18; 28%) indicated CES was a standalone entity within the university system; and less than 

one-quarter (n=14, 22%) identified their structure as a combination of both.

Personnel Oversight

Four questions focused on the positions involved in administrative oversight of the state program

coordinators, state leadership team, local leadership team, and front line staff. Administrative 

oversight duties included hiring, training, supervising and evaluating. Results show that there 

were many positions involved in administrative oversight. 

For oversight of state program coordinators, program leaders or specialists and LGU-CES

directors/administrators were more involved than non-extension administrators or local extension 
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 10

leaders with hiring, supervising, and evaluating functions. Specialists or program leaders were 

more involved than other administrators in training coordinators, although comments indicated 

that some coordinators did not receive training (Appendix IV).

Responses indicated that for the state leadership team—program staff employed at the state 

office—state program coordinators had greater involvement in administrative oversight than 

other administrators, although LGU-CES directors/administrators were often involved. Local 

extension leadership, other administrators, and specialists participated in these functions to a 

lesser extent (Appendix IV).

Local leadership teams included supervisors and others who held leadership positions at the 

local/county level. Coordinators and local leadership teams/county directors had greater 

involvement in local administrative oversight functions. Several comments indicated that for a 

few universities, there was a centralized state-based system with no local leadership and/or no 

county government; one had only a county director because the program was small (Appendix 

IV).

Local leadership was more involved 

than other administrators with 

oversight of front line staff—those 

who delivered program services.

Coordinators were most involved in 

training front line staff. Comments 

noted that specialists or other faculty 

were also involved in hiring and 

training (Appendix IV).

CES specialists in nutrition and/or other faculty in nutrition, family consumer sciences, and 4-H 

youth development, contributed their knowledge to EFNEP and SNAP-Ed programs (Table 2). 

Coordinators also noted that CES specialists were involved in 

curricula and staff development. Some specialists had 

programmatic leadership, grant development, and 

research/evaluation responsibilities. Coordinators commented 

that increased specialist involvement in research, evaluation, 

and staff development activities was needed to further benefit 

these programs.

Statewide and Local Nutrition Program Planning 

Understanding respective responsibilities for statewide and

local planning is essential to improve cohesion of 

programming between state office and local personnel. 

Coordinators selected those who were responsible for and 

contributed to statewide program planning. In most states,

more than one individual was responsible for statewide planning. The primary responsibility fell 

to the coordinators, followed by the state leadership team members, and to a much lesser extent, 

specialists, local leadership, staff, and partners. Those having contributory roles were dispersed 

Table 2. Do you have Extension Specialists and/or other 

university faculty contributing to your nutrition program?

Select all that apply.

Yes No Unsure Total

(n) % (n) % (n) % (n) %

Nutrition 45 74 16 26 0 0 61 100

Family 

Consumer 

Sciences 32 52 28 45 2 3 62 100

4-H/Youth 

Development 17 28 40 68 2 4 59 100

 *n = 65; 100% response rate; multiple responses to the area of expertise.

University and System Wide 

Need: Federal funding for 

EFNEP and SNAP-Ed does not 

permit research. Additional 

specialist support is needed for 

complementary grant/research, 

evaluation, and staff 

development activities.

Discussion Point: Results 

suggest that local-state program 

planning is important for the 

CES, particularly involving a 

variety of stakeholders including 

community partners.
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 11

among the state leadership team members, front line staff, community stakeholders, specialists, 

local extension leadership, and coordinators (Appendix IV). 

Local nutrition program planning also involved multiple individuals that were responsible for 

and contributed to the process. Those with primary responsibility were the local leadership teams 

and coordinators, followed by front line staff, state leadership teams, community stakeholders, 

and specialists. Contributors to local planning were dispersed among the front line staff, 

community stakeholders, coordinators, state leadership teams, specialists, and local leadership 

teams (Appendix IV).

In general, coordinators strongly agreed or agreed (n=47; 77%) that local/county leadership 

worked well for nutrition education programming due to connections with community partners 

and understanding of community needs. Most of the remainder were neutral (n=10; 16%). Of 

concern, several coordinators disagreed (n=4; 7%); these states may want to review their local 

leadership process for nutrition education program planning.

Local/County Leadership 

Sixty-seven percent of coordinators 

indicated a high rate of program

planning coordination between the state 

office and local programs. Of concern, 

about one-third rated planning 

coordination at either the mid-point or 

lower end of the scale (Chart 1).

Coordinators shared how local programs 

benefited from focused program

planning due to a thorough 

understanding of local needs and strong 

partnerships to assist with identifying resources. 

Monthly calls, annual trainings, and having programmatic menu-type options for counties to 

choose from to best fit local needs were examples of how state leaders facilitated state-local 

coordination. 

Coordinators suggested that university and local leaders were not consistent in their familiarity 

with programmatic and fiscal guidelines and/or keeping up with federal changes. Specific 

recommendations included: clarifying roles and responsibility at LGU-CES, state office, and 

local levels related to program leadership and fiscal decision making; improving accountability 

and authority related to long-range planning; ensuring that coordinators or supervisors who are 

knowledgeable of federal requirements and statewide goals have input into staff evaluations; and 

clarifying programmatic and fiscal training responsibilities. Several coordinators requested 

improved communication about local support resources and funding supplements that they could 

incorporate into overall statewide fiscal program planning.

University Level Need: Better understanding and coordination between local and state level persons with 

program and fiscal responsibility to assure that federal programmatic and fiscal requirements are fully met.

5 or 4 3 2 or 1

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Chart 1: Coordinators' Rating of Program Planning 

Coordination between State Office and Local Programs

5 = Complete program planning;1 = Little or no coordination 

18%

67%

15%

*n = 60; 94% response rate
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 12

Coordinators shared how they addressed or planned to address concerns related to the structure 

of their local programs including: improving communications; conducting meetings with local 

supervisors, specialists, and administrators; providing staff development; and changing or 

requesting to change internal organizational processes. Several coordinators had assessed their 

programs and were seeking support from their administration to have greater input on hiring and 

evaluating front line staff. 

Internal Stakeholders

Internal stakeholders range from staff members who deliver services to administrators who make

decisions impacting the programs. It is important that internal stakeholders have an 

understanding of both the university’s purpose and mission as well as a general understanding of 

program and fiscal policies related to their position.

Nearly all coordinators (n=62; 95%) reported that understanding the LGU-CES mission and 

purpose was an important component of the orientation for front line staff. More EFNEP

coordinators (n=48; 84%) than SNAP-Ed coordinators (n=40; 70%) included the CES purpose 

and mission in their orientation. The remaining coordinators were unsure if such information was 

covered.

Most coordinators' believed that their 

internal stakeholders and/or decision 

makers may not have sufficient 

programmatic understanding (Chart 2).

Despite lacking full understanding about these programs, universities provided many types of 

support. Depending upon university structure, support could come from the university or more 

specifically Cooperative Extension. University support included:

 In-kind resources provided such as space and administrative support at state and local 

levels and expertise in contracts and grants.

 Program advocacy at state and national levels.

 Public relations assistance to internally and externally highlight programs. 

 Reduction of indirect rates or additional funding during times of fiscal constraints.

 Faculty support for specialists.

Cooperative Extension support included:

 Program advocacy ranging from working with 

university or local internal partners to external 

stakeholders at state and national levels.

 Public relations assistance, including highlighting programs in media and reports.

University Level and System Wide 

Consideration: Ensure that key 

organization decision makers receive 

fiscal and program orientation and policy 

updates. Conduct discussions on 

organizational structure and program

structure as related to policy to assist in 

increasing shared understanding. 

Discussion Point: Share 

promising practices of 

leveraging university and CES 

resources, including in-kind 

support. 

51%

48%

26%

20%

23%

32%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

EFNEP

SNAP-Ed

Chart 2: Coordinators' Rating of CES Level of 

Understanding Nutrition Education Program

5= complete understanding: 1= least understanding

5 or 4

3

2 or 1

*n= 62 95% response rate
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 13

 Local enthusiasm, such as choosing annually to retain the program when it was a local 

decision and including nutrition staff at local/regional agency meetings.

 Securing involvement from other programs such as agriculture, gardening, 4-H, etc.

 Financial support to leverage and/or to supplement low program allocations, especially

during state/federal fiscal reductions.

 Opportunities to apply for internal research grants to complement programming.

 Travel, registration, and/or other staff development opportunities.

 State and local in-kind operational support, including space, phone coverage, contracts 

and grants processing, proposal development/reporting, personnel, budgeting and IT 

coverage. 

Of potential concern, five coordinators (13%) noted that their universities did not support one or 

both nutrition programs. The placement of the nutrition programs within the university structure 

may have been a factor or new coordinators responding to the survey were unaware of support

provided.

A Socio-Ecological Vision for Community Nutrition Education

The Community Nutrition Education (CNE) Logic Model

(http://www.nifa.usda.gov/nea/food/fsne/logic.html; accessed 2/10/2014) has been used within 

the CES to guide program planning and accountability for SNAP-Ed since 2002. It has been used 

for three national reports on SNAP-Ed through the LGU-CES. This model, which includes a 

socio-ecological framework for nutrition education, was also incorporated into EFNEP’s webbased evaluation and reporting system in 2012. However, less is known about the use of the CNE 

logic model within strategic planning and so a question was included in the scan. 

Scan results showed that most coordinators used the CNE Logic Model (n=39; 66%) or other 

strategic planning processes (n=7; 12%). Five coordinators (8%) reported that they were 

developing a strategic plan/logic model. Of concern, some coordinators (n=8; 14%) indicated 

that they did not have a plan in place, although they did respond to required policy and 

guidelines; and six coordinators (9%) did not respond. 

Since universities and their LGU-CES also have organizational 

initiatives and/or strategic plans, it was important to ascertain if the 

low-income nutrition education programs were included in these 

plans. The majority of coordinators acknowledged their programs 

were included in broader university and CES planning (Appendix

IV).

Coordinators’ comments suggested that EFNEP and SNAP-Ed were the primary programs used 

in addressing nutrition-related concerns. Coordinators described how the CNE logic model was 

used creatively, for example, in combination with other social-ecological frameworks and to 

develop key messages. Forty-five coordinators (69%) illustrated how colleges, departments, and 

CES programs (other than EFNEP or SNAP-Ed) had written plans to address national nutritionrelated areas of concern. Family and Consumer Sciences; Human Sciences; Human 

Development; Food and Animal Sciences; Nutrition; Exercise Physiology; the 4-H Youth 

Development; and the Master Gardeners Program were among those mentioned. 

Discussion Point: Consider 

how CES can use the CNE logic 

model to further align all 

nutrition education to address 

national, state, and local 

concerns.
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 14

Nutrition Education Delivery

Scan results revealed that for most universities, separate front line staff were used to deliver 

EFNEP and SNAP-Ed, followed by a mix of assigning some front line staff to both programs 

and others to separate programs. Only a few universities assigned the same staff to deliver both 

EFNEP and SNAP-Ed. A few coordinators indicated that staffing patterns had changed recently 

due to fiscal reductions (Chart 3). Program delivery occurred in both urban and rural areas

(Appendix IV). 

For half of respondents, some curricula were shared by both programs and some curricula were 

distinctive to each. For the remainder, the same curricula and resources were used more often for 

both programs than were completely different resources (Chart 3). When the same curricula were 

used, coordinators also indicated that the number of lessons was greater for EFNEP than SNAPEd. Half of respondents used completely different methods to evaluate the two programs and 

41% used some or all of the same evaluation methods for both programs. The remainder used 

other evaluation methods (Chart 4). 

Chart 3: Nutrition Curricula- Educational 

 Resources used in EFNEP & SNAP-Ed

Chart 4. Program Evaluation Methods used

 in EFNEP & SNAP-Ed

Communicating Outcomes and Impacts

Program identity connects partners and the public to the program, organization, and funder. 

Coordinators (n=34; 56%) reported that each nutrition program had its individual identity as 

EFNEP and/or SNAP-Ed; 16 (26%) programs operated separately under one brand (other than 

EFNEP and SNAP-Ed); and 6 (10%) programs had a more seamless program and used one 

brand. Five (8%) had other branding processes. Logos were important—often both the LGU and 

CES logos were required. For at least one state, each local program had its own identity. A 

notable comment from a state using one brand for both programs

was that SNAP-Ed, in being so large, overshadowed EFNEP and 

the public understood the brand as representing SNAP-Ed only.

Reporting on EFNEP and SNAP-Ed outcomes and impacts 

primarily was kept separate, although one-third of coordinators 

reported separately to funders and jointly to other stakeholders, 

and a few others reported that the decision to separate or 

combine report data depended on the requested type of extension 

report (Appendix IV).

50%

22%

17%

10% Mix (some same; some

distinct)

Same for both programs

Different for each

program

Other

*n = 58; 89% response rate 

50%

24%

17%

9% Different per program

Overlap between programs

with additional SNAP-Ed

Same per program

Other

*n = 58; 89% response 

rate 

System Wide & University 

Level Recommendation:

Identity of EFNEP and SNAPEd is important for decision 

makers to recognize federal 

funders and to connect 

EFNEP and SNAP-Ed to CES. 

Information should be clearly 

indicated on nutrition

education materials and 

reports. 
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 15

Coordinators also provided examples of actions taken to elevate EFNEP and SNAP-Ed within

CES through communication strategies. Primarily, they shared success stories with leadership:

administrators, department heads, program leaders, and local leadership. Some coordinators 

showcased university and local staff by sharing staff achievement stories and nominating staff 

and/or teams for university awards. Several focused on making connections with other 

departments such as finance and personnel through hand-delivery of documents for signatures. 

Having face time was considered beneficial to increase program visibility and communicate its 

value. 

Coordination between EFNEP and SNAP-Ed Programs

The majority of coordinators (n=39; 65%) strongly agreed or agreed that there was programmatic 

alignment between EFNEP and SNAP-Ed; 15% (n=9) neither agreed nor disagreed; 9% (n=5) 

disagreed or strongly disagreed; and, 12% (n=7) responded that they did not have SNAP-Ed. 

Coordinators overwhelmingly strongly 

agreed or agreed that EFNEP and SNAP-Ed 

front line staff understood their individual

policies (Table 3). A few coordinators chose 

neither to agree nor disagree with the 

statement.

By contrast, front line staff understanding of 

the other program’s policies varied (Table 4). 

These findings may be related to their county 

and position descriptions and reflect a strong 

local focus of programming. However, it is important for front line staff to have a basic 

understanding of both programs to assist with ensuring program synergy within LGU-CES or 

with LGU-CES in conjunction with other implementing agencies.

Coordinators were asked how EFNEP and SNAP-Ed personnel worked together at the state

office (Table 5) and county levels (Table 6). A scale was used that described various levels of 

Table 3. Level of Agreement Front Line 

 Staff Understand Own Program Policies

Level of Agreement:

EFNEP SNAP-Ed

(n) % (n) %

Strongly Agree 20 37 18 42

Agree 29 44 23 53

Neither Agree/Disagree 5 9 2 5

Disagree 0 0 0 0

Strongly Disagree 0 0 0 0

Total 54 100 43 100

*n=61; 94% response rate

Table 4. Level of Agreement Front Line Staff 

 Understand Each Other’s Program Policies

Level of Agreement:

EFNEP Staff's 

Understanding of 

SNAP-Ed Policies

SNAP-Ed Staff's 

Understanding of 

EFNEP Policies

(n) % (n) %

Strongly Agree 8 14 9 16

Agree 21 36 19 33

Neither Agree/Disagree 12 21 10 17

Disagree 7 12 10 17

Strongly Disagree 3 5 2 3

Not applicable; don't 

coordinate other program 7 12 8 14

Total 58 100 58 100

*n=58; 89% response rate

Discussion Point:

Coordinators believed 

investing in training program 

staff was a LGU-CES 

strength. Internal and 

external stakeholder often 

overlooked the value of 

training for assuring 

consistency in understanding 

and applying program 

policies. Program consistency 

is important in achieving 

reliable outcomes.
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 16

interaction: ranging from "network," indicating having occasional meetings, to “collaborator," 

wherein personnel might be pursuing programmatic common goals and purpose.

The results illustrate 

that just over 40%

of EFNEP and 

SNAP-Ed 

coordinators (43% 

and 44%, 

respectively) rated 

relationships with the 

other program as 

"collaborator" or 

"coalition,"

suggesting that 

there were strong 

relationships between 

EFNEP and SNAPEd at the state level

at many institutions, 

but stronger internal 

relationships could 

be established. The 

need for stronger 

internal relationships 

at the county/local 

level was even more 

evident.

Factors Affecting Ability to Lead Programs

Management of EFNEP and SNAP-Ed is a considerable responsibility to ensure that 

programmatic and fiscal policies are followed. Coordinators selected the top three factors that 

affect their ability to lead and/or manage EFNEP and SNAP-Ed programs within (Table 7) and

outside (Table 8) of the LGU-CES. 

Within the LGU-CES (Table 7), budget concerns trumped all other responses. Also noteworthy 

was the organizational structure wherein the program resides; and decisions made that impact the 

nutrition education program without coordinators being part of the decision-making process. The 

remaining priorities reflected situational differences. Lack of evaluation data was a greater 

concern for SNAP-Ed than for EFNEP. 

Table 5. CES EFNEP and SNAP-Ed State Level Relationship 

Relationship Category

EFNEP SNAP-Ed

(n) % (n) %

Network: meet occasionally, no joint projects 9 23 7 19

Cooperator: meet to build trust; goals 4 10 4 11

Coordination/Partnership: work in pursuit goals 10 25 10 27

Coalition: short term common purpose projects 5 12 5 13

Collaborator: worked for long time; common goal, 

purpose 12 30 11 30

Total 40 100 37 100

*n=54;83% response rate. Percentages did not include those who marked not applicable as both programs were 

operated by the same coordinator.

Table 6. CES EFNEP and SNAP-Ed County/Local Relationship

Relationship Category

EFNEP SNAP-Ed

(n) % (n) %

Network: meet occasionally, no joint projects 10 25 7 24

Cooperator: meet to build trust; goals 5 3 2 7

Coordination/Partnership: work in pursuit goals 11 27 10 34

Coalition: short term common purpose projects 2 5 2 7

Collaborator: worked for long time; common goal, 

purpose 12 30 8 28

Total 40 100 29 100

*n=54; 83% response rate. Percentages did not include not applicable as both programs operated by the same 

people.

Discussion Point: Higher level relationships create synergy between programs. Consider how local 

relationships – where programming is carried out – might be strengthened between EFNEP and SNAP-Ed.
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 17

Funding was also the single greatest factor outside the university that coordinators identified as 

impacting their ability to manage their programs (Table 8). Direction from others with whom 

coordinators did not have direct interaction was also a major factor, more so for SNAP-Ed than 

for EFNEP. Situational differences were also noted and would be important for those affected.

Relationships with Implementing Agencies Outside of LGU-CES 

Coordinated efforts among programs, agencies, and organizations are necessary for synergy in 

achieving maximum reach and effectiveness of programming to low-income populations. Such 

Table 7. Factors Within the LGU-CES Systems that Most Affect Ability to 

 Lead/Manage EFNEP SNAP-Ed Programs

Priorities by Combined Responses

Combined EFNEP SNAP-Ed

(n) % (n) % (n) %

Budget concerns or other financial expectations 73 32 38 31 35 31

Organizational structure where program resides 34 15 20 16 14 16

Decisions made impacting program, but not part 

of the decision process (other departments, 

personnel, etc.) 28 12 17 14 11 14

Directions from others that coordinators do not 

have direct interaction 21 9 11 9 10 9

Lack of supervisory authority over CES local staff 19 8 10 8 9 8

Lack of evaluation data to support program 15 7 5 4 10 4

Blending of EFNEP and SNAP-Ed 15 7 8 7 7 7

Separation of EFNEP and SNAP-Ed 13 5 7 6 6 6

Lack of data supporting planned efforts 4 2 2 2 2 2

Other 6 3 4 3 2 3

Total 228 100 122 100 106 100

*n=57;88% response rate

Table 8. Factors Outside the LGU-CES Systems that Most Affect Ability 

 to Lead/Manage EFNEP SNAP-Ed Programs

Priorities by Combined Responses

Combined EFNEP* SNAP-Ed**

(n) % (n) % (n) %

Funding 76 52 38 54 38 50

Direction from others that coordinators do not 

have direct interaction (politicians, external 

groups) 28 19 10 14 18 24

Lack of supervisory authority over staff not 

employed by university 17 11 10 14 7 9

County organizational structure where program 

resides that is not part of the LGU system 16 11 9 13 7 9

Other 10 7 4 5 6 8

Total 147 100 71 100 76 100

*n=58;89% response rate 

Discussion Point: Examine what can be controlled within the CES to facilitate leadership, as factors impact 

fiscal and programmatic accountability and reliability of outcome data. Ensure that there is a strong 

connection between the statewide programs’ responsibility for local level delivery. Examine factors that the 

university may be able to influence through coordination and cooperative relationships inside and outside the 

CES.
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 18

relationships begin with ensuring that EFNEP and SNAP-Ed through the LGU-CES complement 

or fit well with each other’s plans and then with other implementing agencies’ plans.

Most coordinators responded affirmatively that their 

programs complemented their state partners' plans, 

although more than a quarter were uncertain if their 

plans were complementary (Table 9). Examples given 

for partner relationships included those with similar 

missions such as WIC, Head Start, food banks, other 

SNAP-Ed implementing agencies, and federally funded

and community-based partners. Several coordinators 

suggested that local level coordination was challenged 

by territorialism where agencies have established programs; other coordinators noted that local 

partners drove planning. A few reported that they were just beginning or were in transition

developing state partner relationships and shared program plans due to leadership personnel 

changes. 

Many coordinators (n=48; 74% response rate) shared positive examples of how they worked 

with other nutrition education implementing agencies for strong partner relationships. Three 

areas were notable: coordinating efforts and/or education strategies to ensure that targeted 

populations received nutrition education; leveraging resources by submitting joint grants and 

sharing in-kind resources; and maintaining open communications through meetings and focusing 

to build and maintain partnerships.

However, having complementary plans does not necessarily resolve potential issues that may 

arise. Based upon prior feedback from working group members, the scan probed for potential 

concerns in partner relationships. These questions resulted in the lowest response rate (n=38; 

58%) of all questions in the scan. Possibly, many coordinators did not believe that the issues 

listed were of concern for them, felt they 

lacked the knowledge to respond, or were 

uncomfortable answering this question. 

Of the issues identified by coordinators (Table 

10), competition (trying to reach the same 

audience) and territorialism (assigned 

geographic areas) were the greatest concerns. 

Staffing and philosophy (approach to nutrition 

education and agency coordination) were less 

often identified. Coordinators also shared

examples that they faced within their 

programs and with other agencies. Some 

findings include: 

 Competition and territorialism increased when LGU-CES staff did not consistently work 

cooperatively within their own university programs; 

 Lack of coordination in states between 1862 and 1890 universities led to competition and 

territory issues.

Table 9. EFNEP & SNAP-Ed Programs 

that Complement State Partners' Plans

EFNEP SNAP-Ed

(n) % (n) %

Yes 43 75 33 69

No 0 0 0 0

Unsure 14 25 15 31

Total 54 100 48 100

*n=60;92% response rate

Table 10. Issues with Other Implementing 

 Agencies Delivering Nutrition Education 

Issue

Combined EFNEP SNAP-Ed

(n) % (n) % (n) %

Competition 34 35 20 36 14 33

Territory 28 29 16 29 12 29

Staffing 14 14 9 16 5 12

Philosophy 13 13 7 13 6 14

Other 9 9 3 6 5 12

Total 98 100 55 100 42 100

*n=38;58% response rate
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 19

 A lack of geographical and target audience coordination 

resulted in some programs having greater travel distance 

and/or difficulties in recruiting audiences. 

 Philosophical differences between partners and other 

implementing agencies included: different perspectives on 

nutrition education; topics important to teach and/or lack 

of nutrition education experience; and lack of 

understanding how to work together.

 Different priorities between respective agency partners 

and/or local levels make cooperation and collaboration a 

challenge.

 Some LGU-CES received decreased funding as 

opportunities expanded for other implementing agencies. 

A noted downside was the loss of knowledgeable, trained 

staff being recruited to other growing implementing

agencies.

Legislative Changes - Switch of the SNAP-Ed Cost Share to Grant Program

The Healthy, Hungry-Free Kids Act of 2010 resulted in fundamental changes to SNAP-Ed. Two 

changes that had considerable impact upon the LGU-CES were: 1) the elimination of a federal 

cost share and 2) the shift to a more comprehensive approach to nutrition education, including 

policy and environmental system changes. Several questions provided coordinators an 

opportunity to describe the influence of those changes on established relationships. 

SNAP-Ed coordinators described their relationship with their state agency as a result of the 

change (98% response rate). The majority (n=26; 57%) indicated that no major changes had 

occurred and several indicated that their strong relationships with the state agencies continued. 

Six coordinators (13%) provided examples of improved relationships including doing less 

paperwork and improved partnership relations at the state level including with public health. The 

remainder of coordinators (n=17; 35%) indicated a weakening between LGU-CES SNAP-Ed and

state agency relationships due to changing of state agency leadership positions, political 

challenges that emerged, and a new request for proposal (RFP) process. 

The influence of SNAP-Ed legislation on EFNEP was also considered (77% response rate). Most

30 (60%) shared there were no significant changes in relationships. Fourteen (28%) coordinators 

noted that there were improved relationships among LGU-CES programs due to increased 

communication and coordination between EFNEP and SNAP-Ed. Those who managed both 

programs welcomed the decrease in paperwork. Increased cohesion between EFNEP and SNAPEd resulted from other implementing agencies competing for SNAP-Ed during the RFP process 

or changes in state agency expectations. Six coordinators (12%) responded that the question was 

not applicable, they did not know, or had not yet experienced a change.

The final question related to how SNAP-Ed legislation changes pertained to LGU-CES lowincome nutrition education programs and state agency relationships in general. Of the 

coordinators (n=46; 71%) who responded, 29 (63%) noted no change and 6 (13%) reported the 

question as not applicable. Of the 11 coordinators (24%) that indicated a change in their 

Discussion Topic: Share 

promising practices of how 

partners have worked together 

for the success of the all federal 

nutrition programs' participants.

University-Wide 

Recommendation: Seize 

opportunities to create synergy

and leverage resources by 

facilitating a positive nutrition 

education delivery environment 

with sustainable partnerships. 

University-Wide 

Recommendation: Maximize 

outreach and outcomes through 

coordination and cooperation 

agreements. Determine how all 

implementing agencies can be 

successful and hold each other 

accountable.
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 20

relationships, improved relationships resulted as university staff were no longer confused about 

which program required cost share time documentation. On the other hand, greater cooperation 

and coordination was required as the SNAP-Ed audience focus shifted from youth to adults in 

some states and the competition for adult agencies increased. Targeting youth had been a 

primary SNAP-Ed focus and a significant source for cost share. With the shift in legislation and 

increasing adult education, youth nutrition education needs continued. Some states noted there 

were more youth education requests than capacity to handle the requests.

In conclusion, the environmental scan affirmed what was suggested in the leadership meeting –

that nutrition education works within the system. Recognizing that the LGU-CES programs are 

doing well, in most cases – also as reflected in the environmental scan, there are also ways in 

which individually and collectively, programs can be reexamined and goals set to strengthen the 

EFNEP and SNAP-Ed both within universities and as a LGU-CES system. Land-grant 

universities provide a unique opportunity because they can tap into their Cooperative Extension 

System and its partnership networks to further improve the reach and effectiveness of lowincome nutrition education across the nation.

Discussion Point: Although legislative changes are not within the control of national, state, and LGU-CES 

partners, it is important to understand how program specific legislative changes can affect other programs with 

similar target populations and state and local relationships. A constant effort to understand the influence of such 

legislation and to strengthen cooperation, coordination at state and local levels within LGU-CES and with other 

partners is essential to fulfilling LGU-CES’s mission and purpose.
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 21

References

American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. 26 U.S.C. § 1 (2013).

Economos, C. D. & J. A. Curtatone (2010). Shaping up Somerville: A community initiative in 

Massachusetts. Preventive Medicine, 50, S97-S98.

Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. 42 U.S.C. §§ 1751 et seq. (2010).

Medeiros, L. C., Butkus, S. N., Chipman, H., Cox, R. H., Jones, L., & Little, D. (2005). A logic 

model framework for community nutrition education. Journal of Nutrition Education 

Behavior, 27, 197-202. 

Shilts, M. C., Martin, A. C., and Townsend, M. S. (2010). Dose: Comparison nutrition and 

physical activity sessions targeting middle school adolescents. Journal of Youth 

Development- Bridging Research and Practice, 4, 49-59.

National Information Management and Support System. (2013).NC2169: North Central Region 

- Multi-State Research Project, 2013 – 2018. The University of Maryland. Retrieved in 

February 2013 from http://nimss.umd.edu/homepages/outline.cfm?trackID=15197

U.S. Department of Agriculture & U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Center for 

Nutrition Policy and Promotion. (2010). Dietary guidelines for Americans, 2010. 7th

Edition. Washington: U.S. Government Printing Office. 

U.S. Department of Agriculture (2014). Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education 

Guidance. Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant Program. Washington: 

U.S. Government Printing Office.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (2015). Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education 

Guidance. Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant Program. Washington: 

U.S. Government Printing Office.
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 22

Appendix I: 

Coordination and Cooperation Considerations

The following coordination and cooperation considerations may be helpful when assessing 

internal and external relationships between implementers to benefit all stakeholders, including 

the target audience. 

EFNEP and SNAP-Ed State Level Relationships

This relates to the internal relationships between EFNEP and SNAP-Ed within the LGU-CES. 

 Communicate annual planning strategies that facilitate synergy while avoiding 

duplication of resources. 

 Review target audiences for delivery of programs:

o Be strategic in placing staff geographically; consider location of EFNEP and SNAPEd staff to maximize the uniqueness of each program within dense populations, 

census tracts, and other implementing agencies. 

o Review program delivery opportunities to elevate LGU-CES presence while ensuring 

that federal goals are achieved by each program. 

 Communicate to all partners the work of specialists related to evaluation, training 

research and grant assistance. Strongly encourage equitable contribution of specialists to 

each program to complement both EFNEP and SNAP-Ed outcomes and staff professional 

development.

 Provide training related to federal program delivery and fiscal accountability at state and 

local levels:

o Orient staff to include the LGU-CES mission and vision as it relates to EFNEP and 

SNAP-Ed programming.

o Agree upon competency training requirements for nutrition professional and paraprofessional staff.

o Have clear and consistent program benefit messaging for internal and external 

stakeholders.

o Ensure that local programs use approved evidence-based curricula and educational 

materials.

 Review each program's branding for consistency in identifying the LGU-CES and federal 

partners required statements for all materials. 

LGU-CES State and Local Relationships 

This relates to the internal relationships between the EFNEP and SNAP-Ed state office and the 

county/local offices within the LGU-CES. 

To ensure that statewide goals and federal expectations are met, it is critical that there is an 

understanding of the respective accountabilities of internal stakeholders who supervise and 

deliver EFNEP and SNAP-Ed. Specific recommendations might include:

 Develop a training process on federally funded programs for: new fiscal administrators, 

coordinators, supervisors, specialists, and staff. Provide updates as appropriate.

 Implement an annual agreement between statewide offices (EFNEP/SNAP-Ed) and local 

programs related to responsibility of utilizing federal funds. Elements within the 
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 23

agreement may include use of approved curricula and nutrition education materials; 

funds; supervision and evaluation of staff; and program evaluation and reporting. 

 Develop a planning and communication process among EFNEP and SNAP-Ed 

coordinators and specialists and other key staff as appropriate on statewide programming 

to prioritize and balance the needs of each program, strengthen the campus to county 

continuum, and complement the annual planning process between programs at state and 

local levels.

 Refer to recommendation considerations listed under the LGU-CES State Level as 

appropriate.

LGU-CES and Other Implementing Agency Relationships

This refers to external relationships. 

Identify all agencies within the state associated with federally funded nutrition education 

programs. Assess the strength of current partnerships across the state nutrition education delivery 

system to determine if and how relationships may be improved.

 Consider opportunities that are mutually beneficial for the LGU-CES research and lowincome nutrition education programs and other implementing agencies. 

 Examine the communication, coordination, and cooperation between federally-funded 

nutrition education programs at the state and local levels. 

 Ensure that EFNEP and SNAP-Ed are at the table for state and/or local discussions.

 Assess agencies’ definition/interpretation of duplication of services to determine the level 

of understanding of federal protocol. 

 Develop and assess annually an agreement between the LGU-CES and other 

implementing agencies to ensure that there is coordination and cooperation of:

o A state and local process to maximize federal resources and nutrition education 

delivery strategies to meet the needs of targeted populations.

o A coordinated effort to demonstrate to funders, community, state, and national 

decision makers that bringing together diverse resources leverages federal and other 

funding sources to benefit low-income populations. 

o Consider geographic location of all agencies’ programs including EFNEP and SNAPEd to maximize the uniqueness and capacity to deliver each program.

o Identify audiences and/or program delivery opportunities to elevate LGU-CES 

presence while assuring federal goals are achieved by each program.

o Communicate research being conducted by all partner agencies for understanding of 

research protocols and findings. 

o Identity is important for each agency, program, and funder. Determine how credit can 

be shared. 

o Plan for how final reports and media releases will be handled. 

 Refer to recommendation considerations listed under the LGU-CES State Level as 

appropriate.
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 24

Appendix II: 

Recommendations for ECOP Leadership and Federal Agencies

Given our shared goals for improving food choices, nutrition and health of low income families 

and youth, there is a need for better coordination of FNS and NIFA funded /directed activities 

and strategies at all levels. This synergy would create an opportunity for NIFA and FNS to use 

resources more effectively by collaborating on a variety of fronts. 

Administration

As appropriate, align EFNEP and SNAP-Ed at the national level to enhance efficiency and 

increase opportunities for coordination, while also respecting the uniqueness of each program.

 Utilize the LGU-CES and other key partners to better understand and address the needs 

and concerns of implementers with respect to funding, policy guidance, and program 

implementation.

 Explore opportunities for more consistency and develop systems for increased efficiency

and effectiveness.

 Facilitate greater consistency across programs and regions in understanding and 

following policy guidelines, program implementation, and evaluation. 

Communication

Develop strategies to ensure effective communication of program management, planning, 

implementation, evaluation, and outcomes at all levels.

 Develop a communication plan between federal agencies and LGU partners that better 

connect program implementers, administrators, and funders. 

 Utilizing ECOP’s leadership, assist state coordinators in determining ways to better reach 

higher administration within the LGU-CES, as well as other state and local stakeholders. 

 Build upon and better utilize existing ECOP and Extension processes and structures to 

share nutrition program strengths and accomplishments. 

Messaging

Articulate the strengths of each nutrition program and how EFNEP and SNAP-Ed complement 

one another in addressing public needs. 

 Identify a small working group, including a representative from both agencies and 

partners to develop strategies for improving messaging.

 Define who the message is for and the best messenger(s) for each distinct audience. 

 Communicate messages and impact statements within and between agencies as well as to 

stakeholders, decision-makers and funders.

 Through ECOP’s leadership, facilitate training on effective and appropriate messaging 

for state and local educators and administrators.

 Highlight effective state level low income nutrition education programs.

 Clearly articulate the respective and combined strengths of both programs. 

 Facilitate training on messaging to improve the quality of messages from all 

implementers.

 Share both national and state-developed program impact messages.
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 25

 Develop and disseminate effective impact statements at all levels and across a variety of 

venues/mediums. 

 Use one voice and one-liners to create a unified identity. 

Evaluation

Increase coordination of data collection and reporting of outcomes and impacts. 

 Expand the use of WebNEERS system within LGUs to capture SNAP-Ed data. 

 Improve the aggregation and reporting of outcomes and impacts.

 Develop common impact indicators for LGU EFNEP and SNAP-Ed programs to report 

outcome and impact data.

 Identify and establish a process to broadly disseminate findings of high quality impacts 

for both agencies.

 Develop a national repository which includes impact statements and a ‘menu’ of 

effective, evidence-based approaches that both the public and private sectors can invest in 

to promote healthier eating at the individual, family and community level.

Research

Support research to address comprehensive nutrition education including direct and indirect 

methods, environmental supports, and policies for nutritional health and obesity prevention 

among low income individuals and families.

 Conduct impact research for both programs, facilitate aggregation of data that should be 

aggregated, encourage publishing of data.

 Compare trend impacts, behavior changes, and diet and future health care costs.

 Support research that can measure long-term impacts of low income nutrition education 

programs.

 Consider a research working group, which includes LGU researchers, who can inform 

and assist the national level in developing research opportunities that are needed.
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 26

Appendix III: 

Align and Elevate Working Group Members

Northeast Region

Linda T. Drake

University of Connecticut

Nutritionist and

Program Director,

EFNEP & SNAP-Ed Coordinator

Debbie Luppold 

University of New Hampshire 

Cooperative Extension

Extensions Professor/Specialist, 

Food and Nutrition

EFNEP & SNAP-Ed Coordinator

Joan Doyle Paddock

Cornell University

Senior Extension Associate, 

EFNEP Coordinator

Southern Region

Kimberly Klinger

University of Florida

Program Coordinator, 

EFNEP & SNAP-Ed Coordinator

Amanda R. Scott, MS, RD, LD

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Program Coordinator

Expanded Food Nutrition Education 

Program

Michelle L. Vineyard

University of Tennessee

Extension Specialist

Tennessee Nutrition & 

Consumer Education Program

North Central Region 

Melissa K. Maulding

Purdue University

Family Nutrition Program Director

EFNEP & SNAP-Ed Coordinator

North Central Region Continued

Peggy Martin (retired 8/1/2013)

Iowa State University

Extension Specialist

Megan Ness (replaced P. Martin)

North Dakota State University

EFNEP & Family Nutrition 

Program Coordinator

Paula Peters (liaison as needed)

Kansas State University

Assistant Director of Extension, 

Family Consumer Science

Western Region

Mary Kay Wardlaw

University of Wyoming

Director, Cent$ible Nutrition Program

EFNEP & SNAP-Ed Coordinator

Mary Wilson

University of Nevada, Reno

Extension Nutrition Specialist

EFNEP & SNAP-Ed Coordinator

1890

Virginie Zoumenou

University of Maryland – Eastern Shore

State Extension Nutrition Specialist 

EFNEP Program Leader
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 27

Appendix IV: 

Environmental Scan Quantitative Data

The following tables correspond to the quantitative questions in the electronic environmental 

scan. The questions are divided by scan sections. The tables are ordered in sequence in this 

appendix (A-1, A-2, A-3, etc.). Responses to questions were optional. Some questions permitted 

multiple responses. Response rate for the number of coordinators responding to each question is 

provided. Coordinators were able to report for one or both programs as noted in the first 

question, table A-1. 

A-1. Program reporting for:

(n) %

EFNEP Only 18 28

SNAP-Ed Only 11 17

Both EFNEP and 

SNAP-Ed 36 55

TOTAL 65 100

65 or 100% of coordinators responded. 

Scan Section: Land-Grant (LGU) Demographic Characteristics

A-2. Check the extension region 

your university belongs to: 

(n) %

Northeast 10 15

North Central 14 22

Southern 23 35

Western 18 28

TOTAL 65 100

65 or 100% of coordinators responded.

A-3. For SNAP-Ed: check the FNS 

region your university belongs to:

(n) %

Mid-Atlantic 4 7

Midwest 4 7

Northeast 5 8

Southeast 10 17

Southwest 5 8

Western 8 13

Mountain Plains 11 18

Does Not Apply 13 22

TOTAL 60 100

60 or 92% of coordinators responded. 

47 of 47 SNAP-Ed coordinators responded.

A-4. Please check whether your 

institution is an 1890 or 1862 LGU

(n) %

1890 15 23

1862 49 77

TOTAL 64 100

64 or 98.5% of coordinators responded.

15 of 18 or 83% of the 1890 coordinators responded.

A-5. Does your LGU deliver SNAP-Ed?

(n) %

Yes 54 83

No 11 17

TOTAL 65 100

65 or 100% of coordinators responded.

A-6. Which best describes how EFNEP and SNAP-Ed are 

administered within your university?

(n) %

Same state program coordinator 31 50

Different state program coordinator 19 31

Same State Program Coordinator, but different 

individuals are responsible for day to day operations 4 6

Other (Specify in comment box) 8 13

TOTAL 62 100

62 or 95% of coordinators responded.
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 28

Scan Section: University Structure

A-7.Which of the following best describes how 

Cooperative Extension is situated in your 

institution?

(n) %

Operates as a separate entity/a 

standalone 18 28

Is under a specific college(s) or 

department(s) within the university 33 51

Is a combination of the above 14 21

TOTAL 65 100

65 or 100% of coordinators responded.

A-8. Do you have Extension Specialists and/or other university 

faculty contributing to your nutrition program? Select all that apply.

Yes No Unsure TOTAL

(n) % (n) % (n) % (n) %

Nutrition 45 74 16 26 0 0 61 100

Family 

Consumer 

Sciences 32 52 28 45 2 3 62 100

4-H/Youth 

Development 17 28 40 68 2 4 59 100

65 or 100% of coordinators responded; multiple responses to the area of 

expertise.

A-9. To whom does your Nutrition/FCS Program 

Leader report to as the direct supervisor?

(n) %

Department Chair/Head 13 21

Extension Director 20 32

Associate Dean 7 11

Dean 5 8

Other 18 29

TOTAL 63 100

63 or 97% of coordinators responded.

Scan Section: Leadership levels - State and Local (County) Structure and 

Responsibilities

A-10. Who is involved in hiring, training, supervising and evaluating the State Program 

Coordinator? Select all that apply.

Positions Involved:

Hiring Training Supervising Evaluating

(n) % (n) % (n) % (n) %

Non-Extension Administrator 15 16 1 2 12 17 17 21

1000CES Director/Administrator 32 34 9 17 18 26 20 24

Program Leader or Program 

Specialist 29 30 26 49 30 43 32 39

Local Extension Leadership Team or 

Local Administrator/ Director 10 11 9 17 4 6 7 9

Other 9 9 8 15 6 8 6 7

TOTAL Responses per Function 95 100 53 100 70 100 82 100

60 or 92% of coordinators responded by selecting the position involved with hiring, training, supervising, and 

evaluating the State Program Coordinator. 
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 29

A-11. Who is involved in hiring, training, supervising, and evaluating State Program Leadership 

Team members? Select all that apply.

Positions Involved:

Hiring Training Supervising Evaluating

(n) % (n) % (n) % (n) %

State Program Coordinator 43 48 45 61 42 61 41 53

Non-Extension University 

College/Department Administrator 9 10 2 3 4 6 7 9

CES Director/Administrator 22 25 13 18 15 22 18 23

Local Extension Leadership Team or 

County Administrator/ Director 9 10 8 11 3 4 6 8

Other 6 7 5 7 5 7 5 7

TOTAL Responses per Function 89 100 73 100 69 100 77 100

59 or 91% of coordinators responded by selecting the positions involved with hiring, training, supervising, and 

evaluating the State Program Leadership Team members.

A-12. Who is involved in hiring, training, supervising, and evaluating Local Program Leadership 

Team members? Select all that apply.

Positions Involved:

Hiring Training Supervising Evaluating

(n) % (n) % (n) % (n) %

State Program Coordinator 35 31 36 35 25 33 30 36

State Program Leadership Team 16 14 28 27 10 13 10 12

Non-Extension Administrator 3 3 2 2 0 0 1 1

Extension Director/Administrator 15 13 8 8 8 10 10 12

Local Extension Leadership Team or 

County Administrator/ Director 31 28 23 22 27 36 25 30

Front Line Staff 9 8 4 4 2 3 5 6

Other 3 3 2 2 4 5 3 4

TOTAL Responses per Function 112 100 103 100 76 100 84 100

54 or 83% of coordinators responded by selecting the positions involved with hiring, training, supervising, and 

evaluating the Local Program Leadership Team members.

A-13. Who is involved in hiring, training, supervising, and evaluating Front Line Staff? Select all 

that apply.

Positions Involved:

Hiring Training Supervising Evaluating

(n) % (n) % (n) % (n) %

State Program Coordinator 28 26 39 33 21 27 21 25

State Program Leadership Team 

Members 18 17 26 22 9 12 11 13

Non-Extension University 

College/Department Administrator 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Cooperative Extension 

Director/Administrator 8 8 2 2 4 5 5 6

Local extension Leadership Team or 

County Administrator/Director 39 37 35 30 37 48 38 46

Front Line Staff 9 8 11 9 3 4 4 5

Other 3 3 4 3 3 4 4 5

TOTAL Responses per Function 106 100 117 99 77 100 83 100

59 or 91% of coordinators responded by selecting the positions involved with hiring, training, supervising, and 

evaluating the Front Line Staff.
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 30

A-14. Who is responsible for and who contributes to the state 

program planning? Select all that apply.

Positions Involved:

Responsible 

for

Contributes 

to

(n) % (n) %

State Program Coordinator 54 56 20 10

State Leadership Team members 25 26 36 19

Extension Specialists 8 8 29 15

Local Extension Leadership Team 5 5 28 14

Front Line Staff 1 1 34 18

Community stakeholders (state 

and/or local volunteers, partners, 

coalition members) 0 0 30 15

All of the above 2 2 14 7

Other 2 2 4 2

TOTAL (by column) 97 100 195 100

 61 or 94% of coordinators responded by selecting the positions involved in state planning.

A-15. Who is responsible for and who contributes to the local/county 

program planning? Select all that apply.

Positions Involved:

Responsible for Contributes to

(n) % (n) %

State Program Coordinator 24 23 27 15

State Leadership Team members 12 12 25 14

Extension Specialists 7 7 24 13

Local Extension Leadership Team 31 30 22 12

Front Line Staff 15 14 34 19

Community stakeholders (state 

and/or local volunteers, partners, 

coalition members) 10 10 32 18

All of the above 4 4 10 6

Other 1 1 4 2

TOTAL (by column) 104 100 178 100

 60 or 92% of coordinators responded by selecting the positions involved in local planning.

A-16. Our local/county leadership 

structure works well for our nutrition 

education programming.

Level of Agreement: (n) %

Strongly Agree 20 33

Agree 27 44

Neither Agree nor 

Disagree 10 16

Disagree 4 7

Strongly Disagree 0 0

TOTAL 61 100

61 or 94% of coordinators responded.

A-17. How well is your program planning 

coordinated between your state office and 

local/county office?

On a 5-point scale, where 5 = complete programming 

coordination between state and local programming and 

1 = little or no coordination of program planning 

between state and local programs. 

Rating Scale: (n) %

5 16 27

4 24 40

3 11 18

2 7 12

1 2 3

TOTAL 60 100

60 or 92% of coordinators responded.
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 31

Scan Section: Internal and External Stakeholders

A-18. LGU/Cooperative Extension's 

purpose/mission is part of orientation for 

EFNEP and/or SNAP front line staff:

EFNEP SNAP-Ed

(n) % (n) %

Yes 48 87 40 91

No 2 4 2 5

Don't Know 5 9 2 5

TOTAL 55 100 44 100

62 or 95% of coordinators responded who 

represented both EFNEP and SNAP-Ed and those 

who represented EFNEP or SNAP-Ed only.

A-19. How well does your LGU understand your 

program? 

On a 5-point scale, where 5 = complete understanding 

of your program and 1 = least understanding of your 

program. 

Rating 

Scale:

Both EFNEP SNAP-Ed

(n) % (n) % (n) %

5 16 16 9 17 7 16

4 32 33 18 34 14 32

3 23 24 14 26 9 20

2 19 20 9 17 10 23

1 7 7 3 6 4 9

TOTAL 97 100 53 100 44 100

62 or 95% of coordinators responded; multiple responses 

due to coordinators responsible for both programs.

A-20. Do you share your LGU/Cooperative

Extension story with state/territory

partners?

(n) %

Yes 54 92

No 5 8

TOTAL 59 100

59 or 91% of coordinators responded.

A-21. Do you share your LGU/Cooperative

Extension story with local/county

partners?

(n) %

Yes 49 86

No 8 14

TOTAL 57 100

57 or 88% of coordinators responded.

A-22. How are your EFNEP and SNAP-Ed programs branded 

by the LGU system?

(n) %

Each program has their individual/separate 

brand identity 34 56

The programs are separate, but operate under 

one brand identity 16 26

There is only one brand (it is seamless at the 

statewide level) 6 10

Other (Specify in comment box) 5 8

TOTAL 61 100

61 or 94% of coordinators responded.
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 32

Scan Section: Community Nutrition Education Vision

A-23. Does your program follow the community nutrition education 

(CNE) logic model or use some other strategic planning to address 

national program priorities through EFNEP and/or SNAP-Ed?

(n) %

Yes, uses the CNE logic model 39 66

Yes, uses another strategic planning process 7 12

No, but in the process of developing a strategic 

plan/logic model 5 8

No, do not have a plan in place, but we do 

respond to guidelines and policy 8 14

TOTAL 59 100

 59 or 91% of coordinators responded.

A-24. Our LGU/Cooperative Extension includes EFNEP in its plan or initiative to 

address the following National Nutrition-Related Areas of Concern. 

Yes No Unsure TOTAL

(n) % (n) % (n) % (n) %

Childhood obesity and/or 

chronic risk disease 

factors(s) 44 79 3 5 9 16 56 100

Food security 38 69 5 9 12 22 55 100

Food safety 45 80 1 2 10 19 56 100

Food resource 

management 44 80 1 2 10 18 55 100

Diet quality 45 80 1 2 10 18 56 100

Physical Activity 42 78 1 2 11 20 54 100

 58 or 89% of coordinators responded to at least one of the optional nutrition-related areas 

 of concern.

A-25. Our LGU/Cooperative Extension includes SNAP-Ed in its plan or initiative 

to address the following:

Yes No Unsure TOTAL

(n) % (n) % (n) % (n) %

Childhood obesity and/or 

chronic risk disease 

factors(s) 37 77 5 10 6 12 48 100

Food security 32 66 7 14 10 20 49 100

Food safety 36 74 6 12 7 14 49 100

Food resource 

management 35 72 7 14 7 14 49 100

Diet quality 38 78 4 8 7 14 49 100

Physical Activity 36 75 4 8 8 17 48 100

 50 or 77% of coordinators responded to at least one of the optional nutrition-related areas 

 of concern.
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 33

Scan Section: Nutrition Education Program Delivery and Partner Relationships

A-26. Check the statement that best describes how EFNEP and SNAPEd programs are delivered in your state.

Delivery Method: (n) %

All program staff deliver both EFNEP and SNAP-Ed 3 5

Some program staff deliver both EFNEP and SNAP-Ed; 

others deliver only EFNEP or SNAP-Ed 15 25

Program staff deliver only EFNEP or SNAP-Ed; they do not 

deliver both programs 38 63

Other (Specify in comment box) 4 7

TOTAL 60 100

 60 or 92% of coordinators responded.

A-27. Check the method that describes how LGU EFNEP and/or SNAP-Ed delivery is 

distributed at the local level. Select all that apply.

Delivery Distribution:

Yes No

Some 

Counties TOTAL

(n) % (n) % (n) % (n) %

EFNEP & SNAP-Ed deliver in 

the same counties/locations 12 23 10 19 30 58 52 100

EFNEP & SNAP-Ed deliver in 

different counties/locations 18 42 6 14 19 44 43 100

EFNEP focuses on urban 22 55 13 33 5 13 40 100

EFNEP focuses on rural 3 10 24 77 4 12 31 100

EFNEP delivers in both urban 

and rural 31 66 10 21 6 13 47 100

SNAP-Ed focuses on urban 9 26 21 60 5 14 35 100

SNAP-Ed focuses on rural 7 22 20 62 5 16 32 100

SNAP-Ed delivers in both 

urban and rural 36 73 6 12 7 14 49 100

 59 or 91% of coordinators responded to the question overall; selecting delivery areas were optional.

A-28. Nutrition curricula and other educational resources are:

(n) %

The same for EFNEP and SNAP-Ed 13 23

Mixed - some are used for both programs whereas others 

are kept distinct 29 50

Completely different between EFNEP and SNAP-Ed 10 17

Other (Specify in comment box) 6 10

TOTAL 58 100

 58 or 89% of coordinators responded. 

A-29. Check the statement that best describes the evaluation 

methods for EFNEP and SNAP-Ed in your LGU.

Evaluation Method: (n) %

The same for EFNEP and SNAP-Ed 10 17

Overlapping, but additional evaluation methods are used to

assess other types of SNAP-Ed programming (other than EARS 14 24

Completely different between EFNEP and SNAP-Ed 29 50

Other (Specify in comment box) 5 9

TOTAL 58 100

 58 or 89% of coordinators responded.
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 34

A-30. Does your LGU nutrition program 

complement/fit well with other state partners 

(plans) who serve low-income families, 

adults, and/or youth?

EFNEP SNAP-Ed

(n) % (n) %

Yes 43 75 33 69

No 0 0 0 0

Unsure 14 25 15 31

TOTAL 57 100 48 100

60 or 92% of coordinators responded who represented 

both EFNEP and SNAP-Ed and those who represented 

EFNEP or SNAP-Ed only.

A-31. Which of the following are issues with other 

implementing agencies that deliver nutrition 

education to EFNEP and/or SNAP-Ed families? 

Check all that apply 

Issue:

Combined EFNEP SNAP-Ed

(n) % (n) % (n) %

Competition 34 35 20 36 14 33

Territory 28 29 16 29 12 29

Staffing 14 14 9 16 5 12

Philosophy 13 13 7 13 6 14

Other 9 9 3 7 5 12

TOTAL 98 100 55 101 42 100

38 or 58% of coordinators responded by marking all 

related issues that applied to them by each of their own 

programs.

A-32. Check the three factors within your LGU system that most affect your 

ability to lead/manage your EFNEP and/or SNAP-Ed nutrition education 

program. 

Priorities by Combined Responses:

Combined EFNEP SNAP-Ed

(n) % (n) % (n) %

Budget concerns or other financial 

expectations 73 32 38 31 35 33

Organizational structure where program 

resides 34 15 20 16 14 13

Decisions made impacting program, but 

not part of the decision process (other 

departments, personnel, etc.) 28 12 17 14 11 10

Directions from others that Coordinators 

do not have direct interaction 21 9 11 9 10 9

Lack of supervisory authority over 

LGU/CE local staff 19 8 10 8 9 8

Lack of evaluation data to support 

program 15 7 5 4 10 9

Blending of EFNEP and SNAP-Ed 15 7 8 7 7 7

Separation of EFNEP and SNAP-Ed 13 6 7 6 6 6

Lack of data supporting planned efforts 4 2 2 2 2 2

Other 6 3 4 3 2 2

TOTAL 228 100 122 100 106 100

 57 or 88% of coordinators responded by selecting three factors that applied to them.

A-33. Check the three factors outside the LGU that most affect your ability to 

lead/manage your EFNEP and/or SNAP-Ed nutrition education program.

Priorities by Combined Responses:

Combined EFNEP SNAP-Ed

(n) % (n) % (n) %

Funding 76 52 38 54 38 50

Direction from others that 

Coordinators do not have direct 

interaction (politicians, external 

groups) 28 19 10 14 18 24

Lack of supervisory authority over 

staff not employed by university 17 11 10 14 7 9

County organizational structure where 

program resides that is not part of the 

LGU system 16 11 9 13 7 9

Other 10 7 4 6 6 2

TOTAL 147 100 71 101 76 100

 58 or 89% of coordinators responded by selecting three factors that applied to them.
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 35

A-34. How are EFNEP and SNAP-Ed outcomes reported?

Reporting Methods: (n) %

Reported separately (always) 28 49

Jointly reported, jointly reported to LGU partners, 

separately reported to funders 15 26

Other - if more than one of the responses applies 7 12

Reported together when representing LGU to partners 6 11

Jointly reported except to respective funders 1 2

TOTAL 57 100

 57 or 88% of coordinators responded. Percentages calculated by total reporting methods.

A-35. Who communicates outcomes and/or impacts to (a) Extension Director or to 

(b) External partners? (Two separate questions.)

Communication Process:

To Extension Director To External Partners

(n) % (n) %

EFNEP and/or SNAP-Ed Program Coordinator 33 56 19 31

Program Leader 16 27 9 15

No specific process 7 12 9 15

Both Program Coordinator and Program Leader - - 15 25

Other 3 5 7 12

Process reporting is different 0 0 1 2

TOTAL 59a 100 60b 100

 a 59 or 91% of coordinators responded. Percentages calculated by total communication process.

 b 60 or 92% of coordinators responded. Percentages calculated by total communication process.

Scan Section: EFNEP and SNAP-Ed Relationships 

A-36. EFNEP and SNAP-Ed work together to 

align programs as much as possible respecting 

funders' guidelines/differences.

Level of Agreement: (n) %

Strongly Agree 23 38

Agree 16 27

Neither Agree nor Disagree 9 15

Disagree 4 7

Strongly Disagree 1 1

Not Applicable 7 12

TOTAL 60 100

 60 or 92% of coordinators responded.

61 or 94% of Coordinators responded. 

Some coordinators had one program, 

some had two; therefore totals do not 

equal to 61.

A-37. Our front line staff 

understands their own program 

guidelines/policies.

Level of 

Agreement:

EFNEP SNAP-Ed

(n) % (n) %

Strongly 

Agree 20 37 18 42

Agree 29 54 23 53

Neither 

Agree nor 

Disagree 5 9 2 5

Disagree 0 0 0 0

Strongly 

Disagree 0 0 0 0

TOTAL 54 100 43 100

 58 or 89% of Coordinators responded for EFNEP and for SNAP-Ed.

A-38. Our front line staff understands each other’s 

program guidelines/policies.

Level of 

Agreement:

EFNEP Staff's 

Understanding of

SNAP-Ed Policies

SNAP-Ed Staff's 

Understanding of 

EFNEP Policies

(n) % (n) %

Strongly Agree 8 14 9 16

Agree 21 36 19 33

Neither Agree nor 

Disagree 12 21 10 17

Disagree 7 12 10 17

Strongly Disagree 3 5 2 3

Not applicable 7 12 8 14

TOTAL 58 100 58 100
Aligning and Elevating Low-Income Nutrition Education through the Land-Grant University-Cooperative Extension System 36

A-39. Check the relationship category that best describes your LGU 

EFNEP and SNAP-Ed state/territory relationship.

Relationship Category:

EFNEP SNAP-Ed

(n) % (n) %

Network: meet occasionally, no joint projects 9 23 7 19

Cooperator: meet to build trust; goals 4 10 4 11

Coordination/Partnership: work in pursuit goals 10 25 10 27

Coalition: short term common purpose projects 5 12 5 13

Collaborator: worked for long time; common 

goal, purpose 12 30 11 30

TOTAL 40 100 37 100

 54 or 83% of Coordinators responded by selecting those options that applied to them.

 Some had one, some had two programs, therefore totals do not equal to 54.

A-40. Check the relationship category that best describes your EFNEP 

and SNAP-Ed county/local relationship.

Relationship Category:

EFNEP SNAP-Ed

(n) % (n) %

Network: meet occasionally, no joint projects 10 25 7 24

Cooperator: meet to build trust; goals 5 13 2 7

Coordination/Partnership: work in pursuit goals 11 27 10 34

Coalition: short term common purpose projects 2 5 2 7

Collaborator: worked for long time; common 

goal, purpose 12 30 8 28

TOTAL 40 100 29 100

 54 or 83% of Coordinators responded by selecting those options that applied to them.

 Some had one, some had two programs, therefore totals do not equal to 54.

A-41. Within our LGU structure, there are other low-income nutrition 

programs that overshadow (seem to take priority) over EFNEP and 

SNAP-Ed.

Level of Agreement:

EFNEP SNAP-Ed

(n) % (n) %

Strongly Agree 1 2 0 0

Agree 2 4 1 2

Neither Agree nor Disagree 3 6 2 4

Disagree 15 29 12 27

Strongly Disagree 30 59 30 67

TOTAL 51 100 45 100

 59 or 91% of coordinators responded by choosing one for EFNEP and SNAP-Ed.

 Some had one, some had two programs, therefore totals do not equal to 59.