In Washington state, WSU EFNEP staff and volunteers provide in-depth nutrition education for more than 3,000 low income families with children, and to more than 5,000 young people each year. Garrett says he'd like to see the program expanded.

Steven Garrett WSU Pierce County Extension

"Washington is consistently in the top five states in terms of hunger and food insecurity despite the paradox of being a major agricultural state," Garrett said. "And, there's been some mission creep as we now confront issues such as obesity and nutrition-related illnesses like diabetes."

USDA undersecretary for Research, Education and Economics Joseph Jen confirmed de la Garza's comments on EFNEP's return on investment.

"Research shows that one dollar invested in EFNEP results in $10.64 in reduced health care costs," Jen said. "And, for every dollar spent to implement EFNEP, $2.48 is saved on food expenditures (by program participants)."

Despite its national success and a return on investment that would be the envy of any investor, federal financial support for the program has declined.

The federal FY04 budget cut EFNEP funding by 10 percent. But, Garrett says that flat financial support over the life of the program means it has not kept pace with inflation.

"Annual funding has been constant at around $58 million nationally since 1983, while our purchasing power has declined," Garrett said. "Fifty-eight million in 1983 dollars translates to about $12 million in today's dollars."

Efforts are underway to not only restore the funding in the next federal budget, but to expand it by at least five percent.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, USDA deputy undersecretary Rodney Brown succinctly summarized the key reason why the program deserves support and funding. "EFNEP works," Brown said.

Denny Fleenor Information Department