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How Wisconsin Extension Educators Talk About Climate Change Without Talking About ``Climate Change'', Sky Hershberger, Todd P. Newman
How Wisconsin Extension Educators Talk About Climate Change Without Talking About ``Climate Change'', Sky Hershberger, Todd P. Newman
Journal of Extension
Climate change touches all areas of Extension's programming. To understand how educators approach talking about climate change with constituents, we interviewed 15 Extension educators and three program managers in Wisconsin. Crops and Soils educators view climate change as interwoven with their work, Financial Education educators view it as mostly disconnected, and Community Economic Development educators range between these extremes. Educators in all three programs avoid the polarizing phrase ``climate change,'' instead focusing on specific, local, and relatable issues. Educators show empathy and emphasize resilience (adaptation) rather than mitigation. These findings can inform Extension's organizational strategy on climate change.
Horticultural Diplomacy: A Framework For Growing Culturally Aware Gardeners, Stephen Stresow-Cortez, Stephen Reiners, Ashley Miller Helmholdt
Horticultural Diplomacy: A Framework For Growing Culturally Aware Gardeners, Stephen Stresow-Cortez, Stephen Reiners, Ashley Miller Helmholdt
Journal of Extension
Derived from person-to-person diplomacy models, a ``horticultural diplomacy'' framework was implemented in a statewide vegetable variety trial program for two seasons to introduce Master Gardeners to diverse crops and cultures. Scaffolding learning with relevant recipes, bed groupings, community tasting events, and collecting community (citizen) science data helped participants build garden skills, gain a greater appreciation for other cultures, and inform new educational materials. Horticultural diplomacy is part of a deliberate effort aimed at growing food and building understanding among (primarily White) volunteers. The techniques that helped make this program successful, adaptable to other garden programs, and aspects that require improvements …
Equine Body Condition Scoring Flow Chart: A Field Guide, Robyn Stewart, Carissa Wickens, Brooklyne Wassel
Equine Body Condition Scoring Flow Chart: A Field Guide, Robyn Stewart, Carissa Wickens, Brooklyne Wassel
Journal of Extension
The Equine Body Condition Scoring Flow Chart is a visual decision-making tool designed to guide users through the process of evaluating a horse's body condition score (BCS) using the Henneke scale. Accurately assessing BCS is critical for making informed management decisions relating to equine nutrition, health, and training. This tool simplifies the scoring process by breaking it down into step-by-step questions based on clear scoring criteria, anatomical landmarks, and both visual and tactile assessment. This tool can be used regardless of geographic location and benefits a diverse audience of Extension educators, horse owners, 4-H'ers, and equine business owners.
Virginia Team Nutrition Training Grant Workshop Participation Increased Intention To Change In Specific Topics, Rachel A Liebe, Kathleen J Porter, Valisa Hedrick, Elena Serrano, Kelly Shomo, Sandra Curwood, Sarah Misyak
Virginia Team Nutrition Training Grant Workshop Participation Increased Intention To Change In Specific Topics, Rachel A Liebe, Kathleen J Porter, Valisa Hedrick, Elena Serrano, Kelly Shomo, Sandra Curwood, Sarah Misyak
Journal of Extension
Team Nutrition is implemented nationally to improve school food environments. Yet evidence on factors impacting implementation is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the execution of the Team Nutrition Training Grant (TNTG) in Virginia elementary schools using the RE-AIM (Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework. The TNTG grant was implemented through two train-the-trainer workshops that were conducted with school nutrition directors (SNDs). Overall, SNDs from 84% of school divisions attended at least one workshop. Intention to change increased significantly from pre- to post- for both workshops in some target areas. This evaluation could help practitioners guide the development of evaluation …
Exploring The Current Landscape Of After-School Programs In 4-H, Theresa M Ferrari, Travis West
Exploring The Current Landscape Of After-School Programs In 4-H, Theresa M Ferrari, Travis West
Journal of Extension
After-school programs have attracted considerable attention as a setting for positive youth development programming, and 4-H has been part of the growth of the after-school field. We undertook the current study to describe the extent of after-school programming in 4-H and to learn about the breadth of program offerings and their frequency, duration, and location. The 139 respondents to our 15-question Qualtrics survey were from all regions of the United States and conducted programs in diverse communities. The information gained from this survey provides a snapshot of how 4-H professionals are involved with after-school programs in their communities.
Financial Recovery Capital: Exploring The Role Of Extension Education In Promoting Substance Use Recovery, Alex Elswick, Nichole L Huff, Omolola A. Adedokun, Leslie Workman
Financial Recovery Capital: Exploring The Role Of Extension Education In Promoting Substance Use Recovery, Alex Elswick, Nichole L Huff, Omolola A. Adedokun, Leslie Workman
Journal of Extension
Substance use is a widespread and complex public health challenge. Financial stress (e.g., unemployment, inadequate housing, transportation access, poor financial literacy) is pervasive among people with substance use disorder (SUD). However, few educational interventions exist to address financial stress for this group. Through the theoretical lens of recovery capital (an asset-based approach that describes the totality of resources that support SUD recovery), we summarize the association between financial stress and substance use, offering implications for Extension educators by highlighting PROFIT, an exemplary program that leverages Extension education as a tool to promote financial recovery capital among people with SUD.
Precision Approaches Improve Community Health, Roger A. Rennekamp, David Buys
Precision Approaches Improve Community Health, Roger A. Rennekamp, David Buys
Journal of Extension
Recent advances in data science provide Extension practitioners with access to data sorted by zip code, census tract, or neighborhood. Such hyper-local data now allows Extension personnel to assess community needs and assets at a more granular level and focus their work on the people and communities of greatest need. In this article, we introduce an approach we refer to as precision public health. Using such a precision approach to community assessment and, ultimately, programming can save money, increase the likelihood of producing measurable results, and create more manageable workloads for county-based Extension personnel.
Mindful Parenting And Toddlers' Food Responsiveness: The Role Of Controlling Feeding Practices, Qingyu Jiang, Holly Wilhite, Natalie A. Williams, Dipti A. Dev, Caron A. C. Clark, Pearl Avari, Sarah B. Ladd
Mindful Parenting And Toddlers' Food Responsiveness: The Role Of Controlling Feeding Practices, Qingyu Jiang, Holly Wilhite, Natalie A. Williams, Dipti A. Dev, Caron A. C. Clark, Pearl Avari, Sarah B. Ladd
Journal of Extension
Controlling feeding practices may negatively impact children's eating behaviors. Mindful parenting may offer a promising way to reduce the use of these practices. This study examined the mediating role of pressuring children to eat and using food as a reward in the association between mindful parenting and toddlers' food responsiveness. Results indicated that higher levels of mindful parenting were associated with lower pressuring to eat, which was related to lower food responsiveness in toddlers. The results may inform Extension professionals providing mindfulness strategies for mothers of young children to improve feeding practices, ultimately reducing children's unhealthful eating behaviors.
Training Needs And Preferences Of Small-Scale Farmers In Maryland, Lila B. Karki, Prem Bhandari, Enrique N Escobar
Training Needs And Preferences Of Small-Scale Farmers In Maryland, Lila B. Karki, Prem Bhandari, Enrique N Escobar
Journal of Extension
This study examined small-scale farmers' (N = 124) current needs, emerging priorities, and training preferences from a Farmers' Needs Assessment in Agriculture. They reported marketing agricultural products as the most important activity for building capacity, followed by certification for good agricultural practices; low-volume, high-value crops; agribusiness and enterprise development; specialty and ethnic vegetable production; and developing value-added products. The most preferred educational materials were hands-on exercises and digital learning videos. They preferred weekend programs over weekdays (afternoon, evening, and virtual) and shorter sessions over daylong sessions to benefit most from the educational events.
An Exploration Of Extension Professionals' Evaluation Experiences In Indigenous Contexts, Sara M. Tomis, J.C. Bunch, Amy Harder, T. Grady Roberts
An Exploration Of Extension Professionals' Evaluation Experiences In Indigenous Contexts, Sara M. Tomis, J.C. Bunch, Amy Harder, T. Grady Roberts
Journal of Extension
Extension professionals evaluating programs that engage Indigenous youth face unique opportunities and challenges. The purpose of this study was to explore these professionals' evaluation experiences, with a focus on culturally responsive practice. We conducted a focus group comprised of professionals associated with the Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program (FRTEP). Study findings revealed a need for enhanced support for FRTEP professionals conducting evaluations of programs for Indigenous youth audiences, as well as for more culturally responsive practice within the Cooperative Extension System.
Reel Into Fishing!: Providing A Recreational Fishing Education Program For Youth, Amelia Valente, Douglas R. Zemeckis, Lisa Morse, Gene Nigro
Reel Into Fishing!: Providing A Recreational Fishing Education Program For Youth, Amelia Valente, Douglas R. Zemeckis, Lisa Morse, Gene Nigro
Journal of Extension
New Jersey is known as the Garden State, but with over 130 miles of Atlantic coastline, it also has very productive marine ecosystems that offer numerous opportunities for recreational marine fishing. The International Game Fish Association, a nonprofit organization committed to the conservation of game fish and the promotion of responsible, ethical angling practices, collaborated with Rutgers Cooperative Extension to host a youth educational program entitled Reel Into Fishing! The objective is to educate participants through hands-on engagement on ethical fishing practices and marine science to help develop the next generation of responsible anglers.
Ohio Beef Quality Audit – 2021: Survey Of Carcass Characteristics Related To Quality Attributes And The Investigation Of Meat Processor Needs, Bo M. C. Garcia, Benjamin M. Bohrer, Stephen Boyles, Joy N. Rumble, Alejandro E. Relling, Lyda G. Garcia
Ohio Beef Quality Audit – 2021: Survey Of Carcass Characteristics Related To Quality Attributes And The Investigation Of Meat Processor Needs, Bo M. C. Garcia, Benjamin M. Bohrer, Stephen Boyles, Joy N. Rumble, Alejandro E. Relling, Lyda G. Garcia
Journal of Extension
While beef quality audits have been conducted on a national level in the United States every 5 years since 1991, state-level audits are uncommon. Our team believed that Ohio beef producers would benefit from a state-level audit, so in 2021 we developed and conducted an Ohio Beef Quality Audit, evaluating Ohio meat processing facilities and assessing Ohio meat processors' needs and views on factors that influence meat quality. This paper details the results of that audit, which demonstrated that Ohio beef quality was similar to national beef quality; our audit also highlighted the need to increase fundamental meat science education …
Are Extension Agriculture Programs Hitting Their Target With Military Veterans?, Adam Ingrao, Craig W Carpenter, Michael Lotspeich-Yadao, Charles M. Tolbert
Are Extension Agriculture Programs Hitting Their Target With Military Veterans?, Adam Ingrao, Craig W Carpenter, Michael Lotspeich-Yadao, Charles M. Tolbert
Journal of Extension
The desire to support military veterans has led to a variety of targeted Extension programs, but the types and availability of these programs vary substantially. After reviewing the size and diversity of the U.S. veteran population, we examine one of the main USDA programs targeting veterans: the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development program. We then use matrix analysis to categorize veteran support programs across other program areas. Finally, we compare these programs with veterans' needs, as described in recently conducted veteran focus groups, and conclude by highlighting gaps and opportunities for improving Extension programming for veterans, including substantially improving program …
Building Academic-Community Partnerships To Reduce Rural Health Disparities, Latoya J. O'Neal, Marcia Brown, Biswadeep Dhar, Noemi Reyes, Brittany Blake, John Diaz, Karla Shelnutt
Building Academic-Community Partnerships To Reduce Rural Health Disparities, Latoya J. O'Neal, Marcia Brown, Biswadeep Dhar, Noemi Reyes, Brittany Blake, John Diaz, Karla Shelnutt
Journal of Extension
Rural health disparities are increasing in the United States. Academic–community partnerships between Extension and faith-based organizations present a unique opportunity to improve health outcomes in rural areas. The main objective of this study was to identify the perceived barriers, needs, and strategies for implementing effective and sustainable health promotion programs through Extension and faith community partnerships. We conducted semi-structured interviews with Extension professionals and faith community leaders (N = 15). Our results suggest that academic–community partnerships could leverage shared needs, resources, and strategies to serve as a model for reducing health disparities among low-income, minoritized adults residing in rural …
Adapting And Delivering An Extension Diabetes Self-Management Support Program To Serve The Hispanic Community, Camden Bryan, Samantha Kanny, Christina Dietz, Danielle Mcfall, Michelle Parisi, Michelle Stancil, Johanna Bruen, Rhonda Matthews, Windsor W Sherrill
Adapting And Delivering An Extension Diabetes Self-Management Support Program To Serve The Hispanic Community, Camden Bryan, Samantha Kanny, Christina Dietz, Danielle Mcfall, Michelle Parisi, Michelle Stancil, Johanna Bruen, Rhonda Matthews, Windsor W Sherrill
Journal of Extension
Expanding Extension education programs to serve the Hispanic community will be important as this population continues to grow. The rate of diabetes is higher among the Hispanic population than the non-Hispanic population; however, the barriers to implementing a health education program and recruiting participants are plentiful. This paper highlights the work conducted by the Clemson Cooperative Extension Service, in partnership with organizations across South Carolina, to adapt and deliver the Health Extension for Diabetes program to the Hispanic community. It offers insights into effective strategies for program adaptation, recruitment, and delivery that agents can use to overcome barriers and increase …
Survey Increases Understanding Of United States Sweetpotato Producer Clean Seed Needs, Lorin Harvey, Mark Shankle, Rachael Carter, Kelsey Harvey
Survey Increases Understanding Of United States Sweetpotato Producer Clean Seed Needs, Lorin Harvey, Mark Shankle, Rachael Carter, Kelsey Harvey
Journal of Extension
A needs assessment of sweetpotato producers across the United States was conducted as part of a strategic planning process to enhance the applicability of research and education. A national survey and a 2-day grant-planning workshop were also used to engage stakeholders to develop a USDA–NIFA Specialty Crop Research Initiative Proposal to improve and promote clean seed programs. Ninety-five U.S. sweetpotato producers completed the survey, representing more than 73,000 acres of production. Therefore, the survey respondents are estimated to account for nearly half of U.S. sweetpotato production, underscoring the importance and relevance of the results.
Collaboration Is Key: Improving And Increasing Inclusive Programming Through Partnership, Brandy D James, Elizabeth Sparks, Fiona S Davey, Burris Duncan, Nadine Chau
Collaboration Is Key: Improving And Increasing Inclusive Programming Through Partnership, Brandy D James, Elizabeth Sparks, Fiona S Davey, Burris Duncan, Nadine Chau
Journal of Extension
Collaborative partnerships between Cooperative Extension offices and the University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities are a key opportunity to assess and improve accessible, inclusive programming for the communities they serve. This article outlines such a partnership between local Extension, the local UCEDD, and the local Network for Down Syndrome. It reviews their collaborative process and the resulting pilot program—-an inclusive cooking class. Evaluations of the program and collaborative process demonstrate that the partners' collaboration enabled organizational capacity building and improved service provision for persons with Down Syndrome.
Urban/Suburban Extension: Challenges & Solutions For Program Design, Delivery, And Evaluation, Sharmistha Basak, Anil Kumar Chaudhary
Urban/Suburban Extension: Challenges & Solutions For Program Design, Delivery, And Evaluation, Sharmistha Basak, Anil Kumar Chaudhary
Journal of Extension
The Cooperative Extension System, historically focused on rural communities, faces a growing need to serve expanding urban and suburban populations. To address this, Extension professionals require a strong foundation in designing, implementing, and evaluating programs tailored to these new audiences. This Delphi study explored the challenges and solution-oriented strategies for program design, delivery, and evaluation within urban and suburban contexts. The findings reveal limitations in current Extension programming efforts targeted toward these populations. This research offers a broader set of recommendations for developing impactful Extension programs specifically tailored to the needs of urban and suburban audiences.
Extension Interest Assessment: An Evaluation Of Hispanics Residents Of Florida, John M. Diaz, Pablo Lamiño Jaramillo, Miguel A. Acevedo, Juan M. Campos Krauer, Elise S. Gornish, Alvaro Romero, Armando J. Ubeda, E. Hance Ellington
Extension Interest Assessment: An Evaluation Of Hispanics Residents Of Florida, John M. Diaz, Pablo Lamiño Jaramillo, Miguel A. Acevedo, Juan M. Campos Krauer, Elise S. Gornish, Alvaro Romero, Armando J. Ubeda, E. Hance Ellington
Journal of Extension
Our study examined the interests and preferences of Hispanic residents in Florida regarding extension services. We surveyed 481 adults, focusing on their interest in various topics, preferred information frequency, engagement modalities, and resource types. We found high interest in finance, health, food safety, and wildlife conservation, with a strong preference for online and hybrid resources. However, 66% were unaware of Cooperative Extension, highlighting potential for increased engagement. Our study emphasizes the need for expanded Spanish extension offerings and culturally tailored programs. Further research is recommended to generalize findings across states and better serve the Hispanic community nationwide.
Using Fermi Estimates Within Needs Assessments: An Extension Professional’S Guide, Emma Lonstrup, Carolyn D. Rider, Miranda R. Westfall
Using Fermi Estimates Within Needs Assessments: An Extension Professional’S Guide, Emma Lonstrup, Carolyn D. Rider, Miranda R. Westfall
Journal of Extension
Needs assessments are an important activity for Extension professionals, as they identify community assets and guide decisions about programs and services. A common challenge is a lack of needs assessment data. The Fermi Estimate Framework can help Extension professionals overcome the challenge of missing data by producing reasonable estimates to answer questions of interest. Here we share detailed, step-by-step instructions for using the Fermi Estimate Framework, accompanied by a real-world Extension example.
Agricultural Extension Agents’ Current Usage Of Social Media In Extension Work And Challenges They Face, Howard M. Wallace Ii, K. S. U. Jayaratne, Wendy Warner, J. Dara Bloom, Julia Mckeown
Agricultural Extension Agents’ Current Usage Of Social Media In Extension Work And Challenges They Face, Howard M. Wallace Ii, K. S. U. Jayaratne, Wendy Warner, J. Dara Bloom, Julia Mckeown
Journal of Extension
The purpose of this descriptive survey research study was to determine Agricultural Extension Agents’ (AEA) current usage and challenges faced when using social media in their work. AEAs primarily utilized social media to distribute announcements about upcoming events and programs, market extension programs, and share information with clients. They did not use social media to communicate with extension advisory groups, evaluate extension educational program impacts, or conduct needs assessments. This study identifies the major challenges AEAs face such as lack of organizational support when they use social media and makes recommendations to face those challenges proactively.
Content Analysis Of Farm Population Mental Health Online Information Resources In The Ces Southern Region, Juliene Porciuncula, Michael Schulman, Andrew R. Smolski
Content Analysis Of Farm Population Mental Health Online Information Resources In The Ces Southern Region, Juliene Porciuncula, Michael Schulman, Andrew R. Smolski
Journal of Extension
Contemporary institutional emphasis on farm stress has led the Extension System to develop a variety of online information resources directed at the mental health of farm populations. We conducted a web-based search and content analysis of online materials on mental health and farm stress from Extension websites from thirteen Southern states and two territories. The content analysis showed that most online farm stress Extension resources emphasized self-help strategies and were directed at the general farming population. In conclusion, we provide recommendations for the development of online farm stress and mental health information resources.
A Feasibility Study To Mitigate Arsenic Exposure In Well Water In Oregon, Christine Lucas-Woodruff, Veronic L. Irvin, Laura Nielsen, Meghan Megowan, Lilly Anderson, Julia Pavlosek, Molly Kile
A Feasibility Study To Mitigate Arsenic Exposure In Well Water In Oregon, Christine Lucas-Woodruff, Veronic L. Irvin, Laura Nielsen, Meghan Megowan, Lilly Anderson, Julia Pavlosek, Molly Kile
Journal of Extension
Approximately 13 million households in the United States rely on private wells for their drinking water. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to manage the quality of water in their private wells. There are many toxic contaminants that can be present private wells that can negatively impact health. Extension Agents are well positioned to assist homeowners in understanding how to manage toxics in private wells. This study demonstrated the feasibility that motivational education provided by an Extension Agent’ trained in motivational interviewing techniques is able to help homeowners with private wells mitigate their exposure to arsenic by adopting appropriate water treatment.
Economic Analysis Of Stockers Grazing Botanically Diverse Summer Annual Pasture, Kelly M. Mercier, Christopher D. Teutsch, S. Ray Smith, Kenneth H. Burdine, Eric S. Vanzant, Edwin L. Ritchey
Economic Analysis Of Stockers Grazing Botanically Diverse Summer Annual Pasture, Kelly M. Mercier, Christopher D. Teutsch, S. Ray Smith, Kenneth H. Burdine, Eric S. Vanzant, Edwin L. Ritchey
Journal of Extension
Economic analyses were performed to determine the feasibility of retaining weaned fall-born calves on summer annual pastures (a monoculture, a 3-species mixture, or a 12-species mixture). Average daily gain was reduced by 0.3 lbs/day in calves grazing the complex mixture in two out of three years. Enterprise budgeting illustrated that retaining calves on summer annual forages was not economical. Two-way net return tables indicated that this scenario would only be profitable when cattle prices are high and pasture establishment costs are low. Extension educators should be sure to emphasize the economic risks when discussing these systems.
Stress Management Is ‘In The Cards’ For Farmers And Ranchers: The Mental Wellness Conversation Curriculum, Alison L. Brennan, Katharine Sutphen, Parker T. Webb, Michelle U. Grocke-Dewey
Stress Management Is ‘In The Cards’ For Farmers And Ranchers: The Mental Wellness Conversation Curriculum, Alison L. Brennan, Katharine Sutphen, Parker T. Webb, Michelle U. Grocke-Dewey
Journal of Extension
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers need practical, culturally appropriate stress management resources. The Mental Wellness Conversation Curriculum (MWCC) is a novel approach to health promotion that relies on community facilitators to share stress management information using a customized deck of playing cards organized around specific wellness themes. We implemented and evaluated two facilitator trainings in 2023. Training participants reported increases in relevant knowledge, as well as improved confidence about leading mental wellness events. The MWCC is currently being adapted for use with additional, diverse audiences. Future research should explore the implementation and impact of this innovative health promotion modality.
Assessing One-Year Health Impacts From Wildfires In Rural Communities: Roles For Extension In Promoting Wildfire Preparedness And Recovery, Marc T. Braverman, Sandi Cleveland Phibbs, Emily Jane Davis, Amanda Rau, Elijah Penner
Assessing One-Year Health Impacts From Wildfires In Rural Communities: Roles For Extension In Promoting Wildfire Preparedness And Recovery, Marc T. Braverman, Sandi Cleveland Phibbs, Emily Jane Davis, Amanda Rau, Elijah Penner
Journal of Extension
Wildfires can produce health impacts that persist for years in affected communities. This article describes an Extension-led study of health impacts in rural Oregon communities one year after a destructive wildfire. Data collection included key informant interviews (n=36), an online survey (n=80), and three focus group interviews with survivors (n=23). Mental health, exposure to contaminants, physical stress, food insecurity, and other issues were frequently identified health concerns. Survivors’ difficulties in dealing with housing displacement significantly exacerbated health challenges. We describe potential roles for Extension in addressing wildfire risk and mitigating health impacts, including a description of the Oregon Fire Program.
Strategies To Overcome The Unique Challenges Faced In Conducting Focus Groups In Extension, Vikram Koundinya, Amulya Rao, Cristina Chiarella, Deepa Srivastava, Mary Holz-Clause, Teresa Spaeth, Eleanor Haworth, Kit Alviz, Lajoy Spears, Rebecca Witinok-Huber, Natalia Pinzón, Yulia Lamoureaux
Strategies To Overcome The Unique Challenges Faced In Conducting Focus Groups In Extension, Vikram Koundinya, Amulya Rao, Cristina Chiarella, Deepa Srivastava, Mary Holz-Clause, Teresa Spaeth, Eleanor Haworth, Kit Alviz, Lajoy Spears, Rebecca Witinok-Huber, Natalia Pinzón, Yulia Lamoureaux
Journal of Extension
Focus groups are commonly used in extension. Extension professionals can encounter unique challenges when conducting focus groups. Extension literature is replete with best practices for conducting focus groups, but there is a lack of systematically documented practical challenges and strategies for overcoming them. We share the challenges we have faced over the past 13 years while conducting focus groups with different participant groups in extension globally and strategies that can be used to overcome or navigate these challenges. The ideas presented in this paper can provide valuable assistance to extension professionals who utilize focus groups for research and evaluation purposes.
Kid Eats App: Supporting Parents And Children Cooking Together, Amy S. Muise, Gabrielle A. Longo, Pamela N. Martinez, Umekia R. Taylor, Linda E. Torv, Barbara A. Chamberlin
Kid Eats App: Supporting Parents And Children Cooking Together, Amy S. Muise, Gabrielle A. Longo, Pamela N. Martinez, Umekia R. Taylor, Linda E. Torv, Barbara A. Chamberlin
Journal of Extension
Kid Eats is a free app for iPad encouraging children and parents to cook together at home using fruits and vegetables. A preliminary study with parents and children showed children enjoyed using the app and that it provided useful information to support children’s involvement in the kitchen, including guidance around safety concerns. Every family in the study voluntarily completed at least one of the recipes with their child at least once following the in-person activity. Parents reported that their children actively asked to cook the recipes from the app and felt the app helped increase their time spent cooking with …
Market Days For Older Adults: Addressing Healthy Aging Among A High-Risk Population At The Downtown Farmers’ Market, Allyson Brothers, India Luxton, Cheryl Noble, Sue Schneider, Alison O'Connor, Yuqin Jiao
Market Days For Older Adults: Addressing Healthy Aging Among A High-Risk Population At The Downtown Farmers’ Market, Allyson Brothers, India Luxton, Cheryl Noble, Sue Schneider, Alison O'Connor, Yuqin Jiao
Journal of Extension
Market Days for Older Adults is a Colorado State University Extension program that supplies low-income older adults with fresh produce purchased from market vendors at the local farmers’ market. Designed for low-income seniors, this program aims to enhance nutrition while building a sense of community and connection. Program evaluation data from the first four years of the program demonstrate evidence of program feasibility, including high levels of participant satisfaction and program utilization. We also assessed a set of healthy aging indicators (diet quality, social connection, functional health, and well-being) to drive future work. Implications for Extension professionals are discussed.
Exploring Extension Agents' Understandings Of Local And Resilient Food Systems, Hannah Dankbar, Brooke Matusko
Exploring Extension Agents' Understandings Of Local And Resilient Food Systems, Hannah Dankbar, Brooke Matusko
Journal of Extension
Currently, there is a focus on bolstering local food systems to support overall food system resilience. Local and resilient food systems, though related, are distinct concepts. Their use in food system development is complicated by varying interpretations. Data from a survey of North Carolina Extension agents, a group of food system practitioners, identified a range of definitions of these terms. The results underscore the complex landscape of local food system development and identify a need to build on conceptual understandings within the Extension community and establish shared understandings within food system development efforts.