Free Programs
Primary Curricula
CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) - for Children
6 lessons | Schools & After-School Programs
3rd to 8th Grades: Ages 8-13
Lesson length: 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on group needs
National curriculum meets Indiana academic standards.
Get youth pumped about physical activity and healthy food choices with this highly creative and interactive, research-based curriculum.
Lesson Topics:
- Physical Activity
- Energy Balance
- Snack Preparation
- Beverages
- Fast Food
- Screen Time
- Breakfast
- Bone Health
Teen Cuisine - for Teens
6 lessons | Schools & After-School Programs
High School: Ages 14-18
Lesson length: 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on group needs
National curriculum meets Indiana academic standards.
Designed to equip teens with necessary life skills and the knowledge to make healthier choices, Teen Cuisine also features exciting hands-on cooking classes and pulse-rising exercise sessions.
Lesson Topics:
- Food Safety and Handling
- Food Preparation and Kitchen Skills
- Physical Activity
- Reducing Fat
- Reducing Sugar
- Screen Time
- Breakfast
- Bone Health
Supplemental Curriculum
Learn, Grow, Eat & Go Garden Program for Youth
10-week program | Schools & After-School Programs
3rd to 5th Grades: Ages 8-11
Lesson length: 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on group needs
A research-based, evidence-informed curriculum developed by the International Junior Master Gardener Program.
Its goal is to “grow good kids” by fostering connections between gardening, nutrition, health, and the environment.
The program is interdisciplinary, combining:
- academic learning
- hands-on gardening
- nutrient-rich food experiences
- physical activity
Primary Curriculum
Eating Smart and Moving More - for Adults
5 lessons (plus 9 optional)
Ages 18+
Lesson Length: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Enjoy our hands-on program and learn new skills that you can use at home every day – from planning, grocery shopping and cooking tips to simple solutions for healthy eating and physical activity. Prepare and sample delicious food during lessons, and take home healthy recipes.
Expecting and new mothers may also select additional lessons designed to address their wellness concerns during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Lesson Topics:
- MyPlate
- Fix it Safe
- Plan: Know What’s for Dinner
- Choosing to Move More Throughout the Day
- Shop for Value, Check the Facts
Optional Lessons:
- Shop: Get the Best for Less
- On the Run
- Fix it Fast
- Choosing a Healthier You for Life
- Choosing More Fruits and Vegetables
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Infants
- Children
Supplemental Curriculum
Eat Smart, Live Strong - available to seniors caring for young children
4 lessons
Ages 60+
Lesson length: 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on group needs
Looking for an encouraging and supportive group to help you live your best life? Our Eat Smart, Live Strong program teaches seniors how to make small changes proven to improve health, reduce stress, and increase physical fitness. Classes include trying heart-friendly, delicious recipes and learning new exercises you can do at home.
Lesson Topics:
- Reach Your Goals
- Challenges and Solutions
- Colorful and Classic Favorites
- Eat Smart, Spend Less
Primary Curricula
CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) - for Children
6 lessons | Schools & After-School Programs
3rd to 8th Grades: Ages 8-13
Lesson length: 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on group needs
National curriculum meets Indiana academic standards.
Get youth pumped about physical activity and healthy food choices with this highly creative and interactive, research-based curriculum.
Lesson Topics:
- Physical Activity
- Energy Balance
- Snack Preparation
- Beverages
- Fast Food
- Screen Time
- Breakfast
- Bone Health
Teen Cuisine - for Teens
6 lessons | Schools & After-School Programs
High School: Ages 14-18
Lesson length: 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on group needs
National curriculum meets Indiana academic standards.
Designed to equip teens with necessary life skills and the knowledge to make healthier choices, Teen Cuisine also features exciting hands-on cooking classes and pulse-rising exercise sessions.
Lesson Topics:
- Food Safety and Handling
- Food Preparation and Kitchen Skills
- Physical Activity
- Reducing Fat
- Reducing Sugar
- Screen Time
- Breakfast
- Bone Health
Supplemental Curriculum
Learn, Grow, Eat & Go Garden Program for Youth
10-week program | Schools & After-School Programs
3rd to 5th Grades: Ages 8-11
Lesson length: 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on group needs
A research-based, evidence-informed curriculum developed by the International Junior Master Gardener Program.
Its goal is to “grow good kids” by fostering connections between gardening, nutrition, health, and the environment.
The program is interdisciplinary, combining:
- academic learning
- hands-on gardening
- nutrient-rich food experiences
- physical activity
Primary Curriculum
Eating Smart and Moving More - for Adults
5 lessons (plus 9 optional)
Ages 18+
Lesson Length: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Enjoy our hands-on program and learn new skills that you can use at home every day – from planning, grocery shopping and cooking tips to simple solutions for healthy eating and physical activity. Prepare and sample delicious food during lessons, and take home healthy recipes.
Expecting and new mothers may also select additional lessons designed to address their wellness concerns during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Lesson Topics:
- MyPlate
- Fix it Safe
- Plan: Know What’s for Dinner
- Choosing to Move More Throughout the Day
- Shop for Value, Check the Facts
Optional Lessons:
- Shop: Get the Best for Less
- On the Run
- Fix it Fast
- Choosing a Healthier You for Life
- Choosing More Fruits and Vegetables
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Infants
- Children
Supplemental Curriculum
Eat Smart, Live Strong - available to seniors caring for young children
4 lessons
Ages 60+
Lesson length: 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on group needs
Looking for an encouraging and supportive group to help you live your best life? Our Eat Smart, Live Strong program teaches seniors how to make small changes proven to improve health, reduce stress, and increase physical fitness. Classes include trying heart-friendly, delicious recipes and learning new exercises you can do at home.
Lesson Topics:
- Reach Your Goals
- Challenges and Solutions
- Colorful and Classic Favorites
- Eat Smart, Spend Less
Faqs
Yes. All of our programs are free for eligible recipients.
We offer the following free programs for adults and families as well as schools and after-school programs. Click on each to learn more.
Our practical, hands-on programs will help you:
- Stretch your food dollars
- Plan fast, easy and healthy meals
- Handle food safely
- Increase physical activity
- Prepare healthy snacks
- Make vegetables fun and tasty
- Find out about SNAP benefits and other community resources
- MyPlate
- Dietary guidelines
- Meal planning and budgeting
- Reading nutrition labels
- Basic food preparation
- Food safety
- Physical activity
Our caring and trained Nutrition Education Program Advisors teach the lessons.
Our lessons are great opportunities to build your skills. No cooking experience is required. Our lessons involve hands-on learning where you can practice by doing alongside other participants.
Yes! When you attend our lessons, you not only get great information, delicious food samples, and a chance to exercise, but also:
- Earn handy kitchen items like bowls, cutting boards, measuring cups/spoons and more
- Participate in live cooking demonstrations
- Sample prepared food
- Take home easy, low-cost recipes
- Learn basic food preparation skills
No. Sometimes when people see the name Purdue Extension, they get a little concerned, thinking our nutrition lessons are college level. Rest assured, they’re not! Our highly interactive lessons are fun, easy to understand and designed to help you make healthy choices.
We provide lessons in communities throughout Indiana at locations like these below. To sign up for a lesson near you—or just get more information—connect with your local Purdue Extension office.
- Senior & community centers (WIC)
- Faith-based organization (Work sites)
- Food pantries/meal sites (Libraries)
- Preschools/schools (Shelters)
- Farmers markets (Head Start)
No, you do not have to be on SNAP. If you participate in programs offered by agencies like these, you’re probably eligible for SNAP-Ed:
- WIC
- Head Start
- Shelters
- Food pantries and more
No. NEP lessons are an additional resource available to you and will not affect other benefits.
For more information on SNAP, please visit the State of Indiana website: SNAP (Food Assistance)
Use these resources to find emergency food organizations, food pantries, food banks and/or soup kitchens near you.
- Use this USDA resource to find a farmers market near you
- Indiana Farmers Market Directory
Here’s a helpful list from Indiana’s Emergency Food Resource Network
Visit Purdue Extension page or watch this informational video to learn more about Extension and how it can help you.
Purdue Extension is a network of Purdue University experts, with offices in all 92 Indiana counties. It works to build vibrant communities, strong families and profitable businesses on Main Street and at the farm gate.