The Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is the nation’s first nutrition education program for low-income populations and is at the forefront of nutrition education efforts to reduce nutrition insecurity of low-income families and youth today.

Nutrition insecurity is a significant national health concern, especially among low-income populations that disproportionately experience poor health. Often associated with food insecurity, nutrition insecurity is characterized by poor nutrition, limited physical activity, and unsafe food practices. 

EFNEP is a federal program that operates through Land Grant universities, like the University of Guam, in every state, the District of Columbia, and the six U.S. territories. EFNEP has operated in Guam since 1981 through UOG Cooperative Extension & Outreach.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food & Agriculture, EFNEP uses education to support participants’ efforts toward self-sufficiency, nutritional health, and well-being. EFNEP combines hands-on learning, applied science, and program data to ensure program effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability.

At a time of rising food costs and new environmental and post-pandemic challenges that influence food access and availability for children and families, the Food System Resiliency for Children’s Healthy Living Program, or CHL Food Systems, is working to increase food and nutrition security and healthy diets among children in Guam. 

Over a five-year span concluding in 2026, the program will create a model of the local food supply chain. This model can then provide guidance toward decreasing food waste and improving food and nutrition security, dietary patterns, and health among children.

The grant will also guide the nutrition education programs offered to the community under UOG Cooperative Extension & Outreach. 

This U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food & Agriculture-funded project in Guam is one of five Pacific locations for the program under the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. 

The first phase of the program, known as the Children’s Healthy Living Program, resulted in a decrease in young child obesity in the Pacific region. 

Learn more about CHL at www.chl-pacific.org.

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This project is funded by Grant No. 2021-68012-35899, awarded to the University of Hawaii at Manoa from the USDA National Institute of Food & Agriculture for a five-year term ending August 2026. The University of Guam Land Grant Extension Service is a sub-grantee, receiving $597,267 to carry out the program in Guam, which is one of five U.S.-affiliated insular areas included in the project.

The Pacific Nutrition Hub brings together communities across the U.S.-affiliated Pacific islands to strengthen nutrition, health, and well-being. PNH works to connect communities with nutrition education, resources, research, and training that reflect the unique cultures, foods, languages, and needs of Pacific island communities.

Through collaboration and locally informed, data-driven approaches, PNH supports efforts to improve nutrition and build the capacity of communities and professionals throughout the region. By recognizing and respecting the cultural traditions, local food systems, and diverse environments of Pacific island communities, PNH aims to create nutrition resources and strategies that are both meaningful and relevant to the people they serve.

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This project is funded by Grant No. 2025-68015-44279 awarded to the University of Hawaii at Manoa from the USDA National Institute of Food & Agriculture for a five-year term ending Dec. 31, 2029. The University of Guam Land Grant Extension Service is a sub-grantee (award No. MA2350) tasked to carry out the project in Guam, which is one of five U.S.-affiliated insular areas included in the project.

Throughout the Pacific region, breastfeeding has long been a cultural expression of care and connection passed down through generations. Re-embracing this tradition, both as mothers and as supporters of breastfeeding mothers, strengthens our collective identity and nurturing spirit.

Please browse the resources we've gathered, including FAQs, local listings of lactation consultants and support groups, and helpful research-based resources. 

Maternity & Breastfeeding Resources