Making food dollars count

Ideas and information from a workshop and booklet developed by USDA entitled "Making Food Dollars Count" are described. The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) in Illinois used the materials to train aides who work with homemakers. Activities included a contest to see how many families could be fed for $58/week for a 4-5 month period. Recipes from the booklet were translated into Spanish to service Spanish-speaking families. As a result homemakers are using a grocery list more often, buying in larger quantities for economy, and comparison shopping. In New Jersey the materials have been tailored for Haitians and Cubans. A local resource system was developed to help newly relocated people learn about community services. Other programs that use the workshop materials to reach low-income families around the country are mentioned. Limited copies of the booklet are available for those working with low-income families. (kbc)