With the introduction of Open Site classes, the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) provided through Lawrence County’s Ohio State University Extension office is aiming to broaden its reach in the community.

The EFNEP offers nutrition and health education in addition to providing families with information on how to shop for nutritious food on a budget.

In the past, participants in the program have come to the program through community agencies, said Debbie Carpenter, EFNEP program assistant.

“The program is expanding,” said Carpenter. “This is not going to be so much through agencies but through open sites that anyone can come to,” said Carpenter.

Families not connected with agencies in the community can participate in free weekly EFNEP classes that will be offered at the Lawrence County Extension Office.

Classes will cover a different topic each week and participants will receive educational tools to take home.

“We talk about how to plan and save money when you’re buying food,” said Carpenter. “We also do food safety and give out a meat thermometer.”

The program’s goal is to give families the information they need in order to purchase and prepare nutritious foods while staying on a budget, said Carpenter.

“The classes are always fun,” said Carpenter.

After finishing the program, participants will receive a certificate stating that they completed the program.

EFNEP classes run for eight weeks and will be from 2-3 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning Oct. 7 at the Lawrence County Extension Office. For more information, contact Debbie Carpenter at 740-533-4322.