Food, Nutrition and Health

Local Highlights

March 14, 2013

OSAGE, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will celebrate Extension Week throughout the state March 25-29, 2013.

“It’s one way we can say ‘thank you’ to the many volunteers, community leaders, organizations, agencies and other partners who support ISU Extension work in Iowa,” said Gary Hall, Regional Director for ISU Extension and Outreach in Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Franklin, Mitchell and Worth counties.

“As a land-grant university, Iowa State was founded on three big ideas: to open higher education to all, to teach practical classes and to share knowledge far beyond the campus borders,” Hall said. “Extension focuses on Healthy People, Healthy Environments, and Healthy Economies.

County extension offices will be holding open houses and other activities throughout the week, and Cy, the Iowa State University mascot, will be making special appearances around the state.

The Mitchell County Extension and Outreach office will be celebrating Extension Week with registrations for door prizes throughout the week and a drawing for winners during an Open House from 2-4 p.m Thursday, March 28th.  Prizes include ISU Extension and Outreach lawn chairs, coffee mugs, and garden calendars. During the open house, popcorn and lemonade will be served.

In addition, a coloring contest is being offered for age groups 3-5 years, 6-8 years, and 9-10 years, prizes in each age group include 4-H color changing water bottles. The picture of Cy can be picked up anytime at the Mitchell County Extension office at 315 Main St, Osage or online here and should be returned by Thursday, March 28th. Need not be present to win!

Health and Nutrition Resources:

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.
     

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

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

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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