Food, Nutrition and Health

Local Highlights

May 15, 2013

Research has long told us that consumers view the meat case as a “sea of red” and are increasingly confused about fresh meat cuts. As a result, they tend to only purchase the 3 or 4 cuts they are most familiar with. The Beef Checkoff, in partnership with the National Pork Board, spent more than 18 months conducting research to learn how to help consumers understand the beef and pork cuts they see in the meat case.

May 3, 2013

There are beef choices for all budgets. Planning menus, creating shopping lists and knowing what cuts to look for will help shoppers stretch their food dollar. Here are some tips from the Iowa Beef Industry Council to stretch your beef dollar.

April 23, 2013

The Allamakee Farmers Market is looking for local growers, producers, bakers and crafters for the upcoming Allamakee Farmers Market scheduled to begin on June 3.

April 15, 2013

The Agricultural Marketing Resource Center at ISU recently posted information about the release of a report which provides a comprehensive look at the economic role, challenges and opportunities for food hubs in the nation's growing local food movement.

March 2, 2013

The Convergence Partnership has awarded $50,000 to the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque to support its work building healthier, more equitable communities. This unique project is collaboration between the Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness Initiative, ISU Extension and Outreach and CFGD. 

Statewide Resources

  • Many consumers don’t realize how quickly leftovers can become unsafe.  Watch the videos and download the 4-Day Throw Away app to learn about the dangers of foodborne illnesses and the four-day guideline for eating, freezing or throwing away leftovers.
     

  • Get answers to your home and family questions from the specialists at AnswerLine. Connect with them on the phone, email, Facebook or Twitter for information about cleaning, food preparation, preservation, and safety, home environment, equipment, nutrition, textiles, and laundry. - 1-800-262-3804 or - answer@iastate.edu

  • Participate in these classes for child care providers focused on healthy, affordable food choices and physical activities for children. Department of Human Services-approved credit is available for those attending.

  • Keep your family or your customers safe by following these food safety tips. The Food Safety Project offers resources for foodservice operators, consumers, and educators.

  • The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), Family Nutrition Program (FNP), and Loving Your Family-IA  are FREE programs that help parents provide nutritious food for their families, leading to healthy children and strong families

  • Interested in canning, freezing, and dehydrating foods? Join our food preservation program available online and through hands-on workshops to learn and practice safe food preservation techniques.

  • The number of overweight children (ages 6-11) has almost quadrupled in the past four decades and for adolescents (12-19) has tripled. Raising Healthy Kids is designed to help parents, communities, and childcare providers address the overweight issue.

  • Spending less on food often means investing time and effort in planning, shopping and preparing food.  Check out our blog, website, and Facebook page to learn skills and adopt habits to feed your family nutritious meals for less money.

  • Extension to Families is all over the social media networks. Stay in touch with us through our blogs, Facebook, and Twitter!

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