In the early 1960's, Extension closely examined new ways to reach and teach low-income families.  Government agencies and the private sector joined  together to fund a series of pilot projects to identify and test new operational  concepts.  The pilots demonstrated the program's feasibility and provided the program base of methods and materials.  Three basic concepts arose from the pilots and served as guidelines for implementing EFNEP:

• An  existing home economics program could be modified to effectively reach low-income audiences.

• Professional home economists can teach and supervise paraprofessionals who, in turn teach  low-income homemakers.

• A nutrition education program tailored to the needs, interests, competencies, and economical and educational levels of low-income families, and delivered by paraprofessionals who are indigenous to the target audience, can change participants' eating habits.
  

EFNEP is now conducted through the Cooperative Extension System at land-grant universities in every State and U.S. Territory.  It is administered by the Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.