Increasing African-American Participation in Nutrition Education Programs for Low-Income Consumers

This article documents the dramatic decline in African American participation in the EFNEP and FSNEP programs offered by Los Angeles County Cooperative Extension, although nutrition-related health concerns among this population have increased. The authors conducted a series of key informant interviews and focus groups in African American communities throughout L.A. County to gain insight on how to increase the participation of African-Americans in nutrition education classes. Study findings suggest that specific marketing strategies for African-Americans, including cultural relevance, support teams, food demonstrations, and de-emphasizing the "low income" focus, would help facilitate this goal.