EFNEP Essex County, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

01/09/2026

01/09/2026

Under President Trump’s leadership, common sense, scientific integrity, and accountability have been restored to federal food and health policy.

For decades, the Dietary Guidelines favored corporate interests over common-sense, science-driven advice to improve the health of Americans.

That ends today.

The new Dietary Guidelines call for prioritizing high-quality protein, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—and avoiding highly processed foods and refined carbohydrates.

https://realfood.gov/

01/07/2026

Happy New Year!! 2026 is officially here. What are your goals for 2026? Here are a few examples when it comes to improving your health and wellness.

🟣Eating more whole foods
🟣Using MyPlate as a guide for your meals and snacks
🟣Drinking more water
🟣Increasing your physical activity (Going for a walk, at-home workouts, etc.)
🟣Cooking new recipes
🟣Reading food-labels
🟣Watching how much sugar you eat and drink
🟣Attending EFNEP Nutrition Education Classes

There are so many different goals that you can make for yourself. Just remember that small goals are JUST AS important as larger goals. Start off small and work your way up.

Be on the lookout this year as the EFNEP Essex Team share the different nutrition education series that you can sign-up for in Essex and Passaic counties. 😊

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¡Feliz Año Nuevo!! 🎉 2026 ya está oficialmente aquí. ¿Cuáles son tus metas para el 2026? Aquí tienes algunos ejemplos enfocados en mejorar tu salud y bienestar:

🟣 Comer más alimentos integrales
🟣 Usar MyPlate como guía para tus comidas y meriendas
🟣 Beber más agua
🟣 Aumentar tu actividad física (salir a caminar, hacer ejercicios en casa, etc.)
🟣 Cocinar nuevas recetas
🟣 Leer las etiquetas de los alimentos
🟣 Vigilar la cantidad de azúcar que comes y bebes
🟣 Asistir a las clases de educación nutricional de EFNEP

Hay muchísimas metas diferentes que puedes proponerte. Solo recuerda que las metas pequeñas son TAN IMPORTANTES como las metas grandes. Empieza poco a poco y ve avanzando paso a paso.

Mantente atento este año mientras el equipo de EFNEP Essex comparte las diferentes series de educación nutricional para las que podrás inscribirte en los condados de Essex y Passaic. 😊

01/07/2026

12/23/2025

On behalf of the Essex EFNEP team, we want to wish everyone a wonderful Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! We would like to extend our sincere appreciation for your continued support and collaboration. We wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a new year filled with good health, success, and prosperity. May the coming year bring new opportunities and continued growth for us all.

Thank you for being an important part of our community.❄😊🌲⛄
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En nombre del equipo de Essex EFNEP, queremos desearles a todos unas felices fiestas y un próspero Año Nuevo. Nos gustaría expresar nuestro más sincero agradecimiento por su continuo apoyo y colaboración. Les deseamos a usted y a sus seres queridos una temporada navideña llena de alegría y un nuevo año colmado de buena salud, éxito y prosperidad. Que el año que comienza nos traiga nuevas oportunidades y un crecimiento continuo para todos.

Gracias por ser una parte importante de nuestra comunidad. ❄😊🌲⛄

12/22/2025

For those in need of food on Christmas, there is a free food giveaway in Newark on 12/25!

If you are in the Newark area and want to help out, feel free to scan the QR code to volunteer to serve food to homeless. If you know a homeless person or family in the Newark area, please share this information with them.

12/19/2025

With special treats and family gatherings, the perfect time to teach your child about cooking and nutrition is during the holidays!

12/16/2025

Keep Your Holiday Meals Safe & Enjoyable☃❄

Follow these four simple food-safety steps to protect your family and guests this Holiday Season:
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Mantenga Sus Comidas Navideñas Seguras y Saludables ☃❄

Siga estas cuatro sencillos pasos de seguridad alimentaria para proteger a su familia y a sus invitados durante esta temporada de fiestas:

12/12/2025

For those in need of shelter during this very cold weather.

Essex County is extending Code Blue procedures through Wednesday, December 17 at 8 a.m. The declaration is for nighttime hours from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. only. Code Blue protocols are enacted when the temperature is forecasted to drop below 32 degrees or due to inclement weather. For participating shelters and warming stations, view the graphic or visit www.nj211.org.

12/12/2025

12/08/2025

Is today National Brownie Day? IT SURE IS! 😋

Is there a way to make Brownies more nutritious? ABSOLUTELY!

The secret ingredient? Beans!

This ingredient can be intimidating, but the beans make the brownies more rich and it's absolutely delicious! 👍🏼

Who is going to try them? Link in the comments to access all of EFNEP's recipes. Enjoy! 🍫😊

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¿Hoy es el Día Nacional del Brownie? ¡CLARO QUE SÍ! 😋

¿Hay alguna manera de hacer los brownies más nutritivos? ¡ABSOLUTAMENTE!

¿El ingrediente secreto? ¡Frijoles!

Este ingrediente puede parecer intimidante, pero los frijoles hacen que los brownies queden más ricos y ¡son absolutamente deliciosos! 👍🏼

¿Quién los va a probar? Enlace en los comentarios para acceder a todas las recetas de EFNEP. ¡Disfruten! 🍫😊