Iowa State University Extension staff members, representing seven different counties, attended a training held on December 17. Barb Fuller, ISU Nutrition and Health Program Specialist, led the training which focused on four nutrition and food-related programs available to deliver to various audiences.
The four programs are appropriate for a wide variety of audiences--such as church groups, philanthropic groups, clubs, 4-H leaders, or other groups interested in a presentation about Extension activities or general interest topics. These programs include a blend of nutrition and health, food safety, family life and parenting, and resource management topics and local Extension staff are now equipped to facilitate the programs.
1. Spend Smart. Eat Smart.: designed to help families eat nutritiously while managing their finances. Participants will learn strategies to save money on food expenses and incorporate new ideas into menu planning and food shopping while exploring the “Spend Smart. Eat Smart.” website.
2. Food for Thought: appropriate for any audience interested in nutrition basics. Participants will learn concepts of healthful eating using MyPyramid concepts. Each participant will set goals for physical activity and healthy eating habits.
3. Safe Food for Groups: appropriate for any audience providing or selling food to consumer groups. Participants will learn the importance of, and be able to practice, safe food handling practices at the end of the program. Make sure your community event is not the cause of a food poisoning outbreak.
4. Eat Smart, Live Strong : a four-session program targeted to a senior audience (60-74+ year olds). The program is designed to improve fruit and vegetable consumption to 3 ½ cups per day and to promote participation in at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.
Contact your local county Extension Office at 641-464-3333 or at xringgold@iastate.edu to learn more or schedule one these presentations. Each program is approximately 45-60 minutes in length, with a couple of them available as a 30 minute program. ISU Extension is committed to bring you unbiased, research-based information to help you make better decisions, thus resulting in healthy people, healthy environments, and healthy economies. Extension programs benefit all Iowans.