The Purdue Extension Nutrition Education Program (NEP)
The Purdue Extension Nutrition Education Program works to make the healthy choice the easy choice where limited-resource Hoosiers live, eat, work, play and shop. The program is supported by the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Nutrition Education Program Advisors provide fun, engaging, and free nutrition education lessons to youth and adults. Our hands-on programs teach new skills that can be used at home every day—from meal planning, grocery shopping and cooking...
learn moreFunding + Impacts
We’ve been making a difference in the lives of Hoosiers since 1994—and 2025 was no exception.
2025 Direct Education Participation
9,923
lessons delivered
18,531
participants
2025 Direct Education Outcomes
96%
adult EFNEP participants improved diet qualityy
90%
youth participants increased diet quality
2025 Community Wellness Impacts
417
PSE Initiatives
946
Nutrition & Physical Activity Changes Implemented
590
Community Partnerships
Success Stories
Congratulations to Marion County NEPA Wanda Ocasio Nelson, honored with the 2023 Vision Award by...
For eight Allen County moms, NEP Advisor Veronica Briles' Learn, Grow, Eat & Go class...
After a week of rain, the sun came out for the grand opening of the award-winning J. Long...
Everyone goes to the grocery store hoping for a good deal. Few expect to be handled free food,...
Mom suffering from social anxiety and PTSD walks 4.5 miles one way every week to learn how to...
Nutrition Education Program Advisor Mar Lopez creates a sense of community in every class by...
Our Administrative Team
The NEP team is made up of women and men dedicated to helping Indiana residents live healthier lives. How can we help?
faqs
Purdue Extension Nutrition Education Program (NEP) is dedicated to improving the nutrition and health of Indiana’s residents. Since 1994, we have focused on limited-resource communities because we believe that zip code or income should not be a barrier to good health and wellness.
We provide free, interactive nutrition and physical fitness classes to income-eligible adults, teens, and children through both in-person and virtual learning methods.
We also partner with local governments, social service agencies, and community groups. Together, we create opportunities to increase access to healthy food and physical activity opportunities in your community.
Because we are grant-funded, all of our efforts are free. Our goal is to make the healthy choice the easy choice!
We focus on five areas: nutrition, food safety, food security (hunger), physical activity, and food resource management (stretching food dollars).
Our Nutrition Education Program Advisors address nutrition, food safety, food security, physical activity, and food resource management through personalized, fun, interactive classes. We give our participants the tools to navigate the road to good health in a safe, nurturing environment.
- SNAP recipients or SNAP-eligible individuals
- Individuals with limited resources (youth, teens, migrants, families, adult caregivers)
- Schools with 50% or more free and reduced lunch
- Communities with high poverty rates
The Purdue Extension Nutrition Education Program is funded by the USDA Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP).
Yes. NEP has existed in Indiana as a part of Purdue Extension since 1994. Purdue Extension is a network of Purdue University experts with offices in all 92 Indiana counties. Extension works to build vibrant communities, strong families and profitable businesses on Main Street and at the farm gate. Learn more with this informational video.
Have an idea?
Let’s work together!
We know the power of partnership. That’s why we’re always looking for more partners and new ways to collaborate.