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New Mexico State University

Eddy County ICAN

Emma Trujillo
1304 W. Stevens
Carlsbad, NM 88220
Phone: 575-887-6595 Ext. 227
Fax: 575-887-3795
Email: trujille@nmsu.edu

ICAN targets limited resource audiences, particularly those receiving food stamps, with hands-on series classes that enhance healthy food choices, food preparation skills and food buying strategies.

Needs Targeted Obesity prevention and intervention, prevention of chronic disease, enhanced utilization of food resources including governmental resource programs.

Program Partners NM Income Support Division, numerous state and local agencies providing food assistance and other resources for low-income populations.

Counties Statewide

Impacts Reaches approximately 4,000 families every year. Saves $10 in health care costs for every dollar spent on program. Over 80% of participants improve nutrition practices.

External Funding USDA, Food and Nutrition Service, Food Stamp Program; USDA, Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), State of New Mexico.

Food and Nutrition

The population of Eddy County is approximately 38,000 with 20% of the population below poverty (1990 U.S. Bureau of the Census). The two largest age groups of the population below poverty level are the youth groups ages <5 (31%) and 5-17 (26.8%). The largest ethnic groups are Hispanic (71%) and black (52.8%). The largest family type is the female householder with children < 18 (61.1%). Low income levels often indicate low educational achievements. The situation in Eddy County is such that 32% of all persons 25 years of age and older have obtained less than a high school level of education. 15.5% have attained less than a ninth grade level of education. These low income and low educational groups can improve their nutrition through basic nutrition, food safety, food preparation, and food resource management education.

Programs and Activities