Verona E. Mulgrave

Delaware State University

Abstract Title:

Using Evidence-Based Nutrition Education to Improve Youth Health Behaviors

Biography:

Biography: Dr. Verona E. Mulgrave earned a PhD and Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences from Howard University and a Master of Business Administration from Delaware State University. She currently serves as a Nutritional Sciences Instructor and Extension Specialist in Food and Nutrition at Delaware State University. Dr. Mulgrave is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist whose work focuses on community health and nutrition education, chronic disease management, and clinical nutrition practice. Key words: Youth nutrition, nutrition education, healthy behaviors, physical activity, diet quality

Research Interests:

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), provides evidence-based nutrition education to improve health and reduce nutrition insecurity among low-income families and youth. This program highlights youth nutrition education programming in Kent County, Delaware USA, where 31.7% of youth are overweight or obese and many communities continue to face challenges such as poverty, food deserts, and limited access to healthy foods. To address these concerns, the Delaware State University EFNEP program used a 6-week evidence-based curriculum to deliver interactive nutrition lessons, hands-on recipes, games, and group discussions in schools, afterschool programs, Boys and Girls Clubs, summer feeding sites, and cooking camps. Youth learned basic nutrition concepts, the importance of limiting sugary drinks, eating five fruits and vegetables daily, understanding portion sizes, reading food labels, identifying whole grains, and engaging in daily physical activity. Caregivers, schools, and community partners were also engaged to reinforce healthy behaviors beyond the classroom. Between 2024 and 2025, the program demonstrated meaningful outcomes. In 2024, EFNEP served 505 youth across 31 programs and 174 sessions. Of those participants, 74% improved diet quality, 70% improved food safety practices, 40% improved physical activity, and 53% improved food resource management. In 2025, the program expanded to 42 programs and 252 lessons, reaching 379 youth. Among participants, 79% improved diet quality, 59% improved food safety, 50% improved physical activity, and 37% improved food resource management. Overall, these findings show that community-based, evidence-based nutrition education can promote positive behavior change among youth and families.