Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
Families are facing difficulty in the current economic realitly. Rising food costs, health care costs and shrinking retirement accounts are stretching family budgets and increasing the stress levels of workers. Additionally, each day the media carries yet another story of a company laying off employees. Resources are needed to help families make informed choices to help stretch dollars and feed families nutritiously. Food prices have risen 5-6% and it is predicted they will continue to rise in 2009. The average household wastes 14% of their food, according to a 2004 USDA study. This equals $600 for the average family.

Response:
With the leadership of the county director and resource management specialist, a one-day conference called "Living with Less" was planned in Black Hawk County. The conference was held on the last Saturday in February with morning and afternoon sessions. The local YWCA provided free child care for families needing the service. A $5.00 fee was charged and scholarships were available for those needing them.

The workshop began with a key-note given by a local minister on the topic of "Avoiding Pitfalls on Living with Less". Following the keynote, participants had the choice of attending one of five workshops. The workshops ran for an hour and were then repeated. In the afternoon, four additional workshops were offered. The Nutrition and Health Specialist offered a workshop called "Spend Smart. Eat Smart." that featured a new interactive website which teaches about making wise choices at the grocery store. Participants were given strategies to help make those informed choices at the store and reduce food waste. An extension publication, Healthy Meals in a Hurry, was also featured and participants received samples of mixes included in the publication.

Impact:
49 participants registered for the conference. A total of 26 attendees came to one of the Spend Smart. Eat Smart sessions. 24 evaluations were completed by those attending the workshop. The conference and workshop were ranked on a likert scale from 1-5, 1 being not particularly helpful and 5, being an extremely helpful, excellent workshop. The overall conference received a 4.62. The Spend Smart. Eat Smart. session received a score of 4.81.

Comments made by participants:
Really appreciated the Spend Smart. Eat Smart. handouts and samples. Good information.
I learned so much today! The speakers were very helpful - easy to understand!
Everyone did a super job! Learned a lot.
Fantastic, helpful and educational program.
Thanks to you and your team of teachers and presenters for today's Living with Less sessions.
I have recorded so-o-o many ideas - and will use them!
You have really met my needs.

Additional ISUE Extension Staff:
Al Ricks, CEED, 319-234-6811, alricks@iastate.edu
Brenda Schmitt, Resource Management Specialist, 641-423-0844, schmitt@iastate.edu
Madelyn Ridgeway, Families Specialist, 319, 234-6811, ridgeway@iastate.edu
Julie Evenson, Horticulturist, 319-234-6811, jevenson@iastate.edu

Contact:
Jill Weber
Black Hawk County Extension
3420 University Avenue, Suite B
Waterloo, Iowa 50701
319-234-6811
jrweber@iastate.edu