Bobby and Michele Burke moved from Maryland to Manteca in 2024, seeking a new beginning. Facing financial challenges and adjusting to their new environment, the couple began attending a local church that provided food boxes every two weeks.
During one of these visits, they received information about the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), which is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture and delivered through the University of California Cooperative Extension in 19 counties across California. The program aims to promote nutrition and physical activity for income-eligible youth and adults.
“We’d had challenges with our health in the past, so we were looking for tips and strategies on how to be healthier,” recalled Bobby Burke.
The Burkes enrolled in a nine-week EFNEP course held at Second Harvest of the Greater Valley Food Bank. They attended every session, applying what they learned to their daily lives. Danny Vang, an EFNEP community education specialist who taught the course, said: “With the skills and knowledge they gained, Bobby and Michele are making meaningful changes to improve their health and well-being.”
Food demonstrations introduced them to new ingredients and recipes. The couple developed confidence in cooking by practicing knife skills and learning how to use items from their food boxes creatively. Following MyPlate guidelines, they increased their fruit and vegetable intake, learned about portion control for protein, and tried plant-based protein options.
“We love the recipes in the EFNEP cookbook,” Bobby Burke said. “Skillet lasagna and lentil tacos are some of our new favorites!”
After participating in a “Get Moving” class during week two of the program, Bobby and Michele started incorporating regular physical activity into their weekly routine. Bobby noted that he lost five pounds over the course’s nine weeks.
The program also addressed budgeting for healthy meals. The Burkes learned strategies such as using unit pricing and choosing store brands over name brands to stretch their food dollars.
Through EFNEP, they discovered additional community resources like farmers’ markets and other food banks. Their involvement helped them feel more connected locally; they shared what they learned with friends at church and encouraged others to join.
“Through EFNEP, we really felt more closely connected to the community,” Bobby Burke explained.
Danny Vang emphasized that this network of support is important for long-term health improvements: “Their story highlights the transformative power of education, connection, and access to resources,” Vang said, “and how small, consistent changes can lead to lasting health improvements.”
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), which supports programs like EFNEP through research-based outreach initiatives across all 58 California counties as well as nine Research and Extension Centers https://ucanr.edu/, works closely with communities statewide. UC ANR enhances lives by sharing science-based practices https://ucanr.edu/ and has provided creative resources in nutrition education for over a century https://ucanr.edu/. The organization applies University of California expertise https://ucanr.edu/ to support local needs through research facilities maintained throughout diverse ecosystems https://ucanr.edu/.
