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Journal of Extension

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Growing Youth Food Citizens, Wynne Wright, Katherine Nault Jun 2013

Growing Youth Food Citizens, Wynne Wright, Katherine Nault

Journal of Extension

How can youth be educated and empowered to become responsible food citizens? Evidence from a university-community partnership with youth in Michigan is presented to illuminate participatory approaches to youth engagement in food systems. We found that youth have valuable knowledge to enhance our understanding of food environments. At the same time, obstacles such as an ethos of individualism may stand in the way of youth seeing themselves as food citizens capable of improving their food environment. Cultivating youth food citizens must take into consideration youths' particular knowledge, while also helping them uncover their social responsibilities.

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Research Use By Cooperative Extension Educators In New York State, Stephen F. Hamilton, Emily K. Chen, Karl Pillemer, Rhoda H. Meador Jun 2013

Research Use By Cooperative Extension Educators In New York State, Stephen F. Hamilton, Emily K. Chen, Karl Pillemer, Rhoda H. Meador

Journal of Extension

A Web-based survey of 388 off-campus Cornell Extension educators in New York State examined their attitudes toward research, sources of research-based information, knowledge and beliefs about evidence-based programs, and involvement in research activities. Strong consensus emerged that research is central and that educators are capable of reading and applying it. The Web is their most frequent source. Time is the greatest barrier. Educators know about evidence-based programs but do not necessarily regard them as superior. Research experience is common among educators in agriculture, much less in 4-H. New methods are needed to connect educators with faculty.

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Assessing Youth Perceptions And Knowledge Of Agriculture: The Impact Of Participating In An Agventure Program, Alisa Nicole Luckey, Theresa Pesl Murphey, Richard L. Cummins, Michael B. Edwards Jun 2013

Assessing Youth Perceptions And Knowledge Of Agriculture: The Impact Of Participating In An Agventure Program, Alisa Nicole Luckey, Theresa Pesl Murphey, Richard L. Cummins, Michael B. Edwards

Journal of Extension

Agricultural education programs such as AgVenture have been established to educate youth about the importance of agriculture. The study reported here examined the direct impact that one agricultural education program, specifically AgVenture, had on youth perceptions and knowledge of agriculture. Youth's perceptions and knowledge of agriculture were examined using a pre-test and post-test instrument administered to fourth grade students who participated in the AgVenture program. It was concluded that the AgVenture program was significantly associated with student knowledge. Student perceptions were also affected by the activity.

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Improving Generation Y Volunteerism In Extension Programs, Kevin B. Andrews, Landry L. Lockett Apr 2013

Improving Generation Y Volunteerism In Extension Programs, Kevin B. Andrews, Landry L. Lockett

Journal of Extension

Members of Generation Y have many positive attributes that make them attractive to Extension volunteer administrators as a potential source of labor. However, they think differently, have unique needs, require new management styles, and have less tolerance for unpleasant working conditions than previous generations. Additionally, they are engaged primarily through the use of technology. This article gives strategies for recruiting and managing this group of hard-working, self-assured, team-oriented, capable, and creative group of volunteers through technology and other means.

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Sustainable Aquaculture In The North Central Region U.S.—A Review Of Perceptions And Recommendations From The Aquaculture Community, Chris Weeks Apr 2013

Sustainable Aquaculture In The North Central Region U.S.—A Review Of Perceptions And Recommendations From The Aquaculture Community, Chris Weeks

Journal of Extension

Aquaculture remains the fastest growing food commodity in the world and is expected to have an important role in food security in the future. However, for the aquaculture industry to grow, it must do so in a sustainable manner. From an Extension standpoint, this presents many challenges. This article discusses the concept of sustainable aquaculture and how it is perceived regionally and presents a model that allows for increased focus towards three principle components: environmental conservation, social benefits, and economic viability. This article seeks to help further dialogue towards sustainable aquaculture and other industry development in the U.S.

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Mid-Atlantic Consumer Purchasing Behavior And Knowledge Of Locally Grown And Seasonal Produce, Amy J. Chamberlin, Kathleen M. Kelley, Jeffrey Hyde Apr 2013

Mid-Atlantic Consumer Purchasing Behavior And Knowledge Of Locally Grown And Seasonal Produce, Amy J. Chamberlin, Kathleen M. Kelley, Jeffrey Hyde

Journal of Extension

Mid-Atlantic urban consumers were surveyed on their fruit and vegetable purchasing behaviors and their knowledge of produce grown in the region. Consumers were generally unaware of what produce is grown in the mid-Atlantic and during what months they are harvested. Additionally, differences pertaining to number of produce items purchased were exhibited based on demographic characteristics. Extension educators are advised of these trends as a basis to develop marketing and consumer educational efforts.

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It's The Latest, It's The Greatest, It's [Financial Education] At The Library, Barbara O’Neil Apr 2013

It's The Latest, It's The Greatest, It's [Financial Education] At The Library, Barbara O’Neil

Journal of Extension

In recent years, libraries have become increasingly involved in financial education, and Extension educators are collaborating with them to deliver programs for their staff and the general public. Benefits to Extension educators include increased visibility, access to new audiences, having program logistics and marketing provided by others, access to grant subcontract funding for the development and delivery of financial education workshops, and new collaborative partnerships for future programs after the funded financial program ends. This article describes the author's experiences with development, delivery, and evaluation of financial classes for two libraries that received financial education funding.

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Organizing A Community "Biggest Loser" Weight Loss Challenge, Kirstin D. Jensen Apr 2013

Organizing A Community "Biggest Loser" Weight Loss Challenge, Kirstin D. Jensen

Journal of Extension

The program described here shows how Extension can be a strong collaborative partner in a rural setting in improving the overall health of the community by organizing a three month "Biggest Loser" Weight Loss Challenge. A pre-and post-fitness assessment and bi-weekly weigh-ins were administered. Three healthy lifestyle educational programs were provided, and a 3-month follow-up behavior change survey was collected. The program has been a tremendous success, with 588 participants losing 2,357.2 lbs. over the past 3 years.

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Application Of Crossover Design For Conducting Rigorous Extension Evaluations, K.S.U. Jayaratne, Carolyn L. Bird, Jacquelyn W. Mcclelland Apr 2013

Application Of Crossover Design For Conducting Rigorous Extension Evaluations, K.S.U. Jayaratne, Carolyn L. Bird, Jacquelyn W. Mcclelland

Journal of Extension

With the increasing demand for accountability of Extension programming, Extension professionals need to apply rigorous evaluation designs. Randomized designs are useful to eliminate selection biases of program participants and to improve the accuracy of evaluation. However, randomized control designs are not practical to apply in Extension program evaluation. This article explains how to use the crossover design as a practical tool for evaluating Extension programs rigorously. This design can be used to evaluate any Extension program with two or more curricula presented to client groups in multiple counties.

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Breaking The Code: The Creative Use Of Qr Codes To Market Extension Events, Paul Hill, Rebecca Mills, Gaelynn Peterson, Janet Smith Apr 2013

Breaking The Code: The Creative Use Of Qr Codes To Market Extension Events, Paul Hill, Rebecca Mills, Gaelynn Peterson, Janet Smith

Journal of Extension

The use of smartphones has drastically increased in recent years, heralding an explosion in the use of QR codes. The black and white square barcodes that link the physical and digital world are everywhere. These simple codes can provide many opportunities to connect people in the physical world with many of Extension online resources. The challenge is change. Extension faculty must use QR codes so that a savvy public will try something new.

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Dollars Works 2: The Evolution Of A Financial Literacy Program, Cindy M. Peterson, Rosemary K. Heins, Mary Jo Katras Apr 2013

Dollars Works 2: The Evolution Of A Financial Literacy Program, Cindy M. Peterson, Rosemary K. Heins, Mary Jo Katras

Journal of Extension

Dollar Works 2 is a comprehensive personal financial education program to help individuals and families strengthen their skills, better manage their personal finances, and make sound decisions about money. This article chronicles the evolution of a curriculum to enhance and modify materials to improve learning and meet the needs of multiple audiences resulting in effective programming.

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Nutrition Education Brings Behavior And Knowledge Change In Limited-Resource Older Adults, Jacquelyn W. Mcclelland, K.S.U. Jayaratne, Carolyn L. Bird Apr 2013

Nutrition Education Brings Behavior And Knowledge Change In Limited-Resource Older Adults, Jacquelyn W. Mcclelland, K.S.U. Jayaratne, Carolyn L. Bird

Journal of Extension

A prospective, controlled, randomized, crossover design was used to examine a nutrition education curriculum's effects on knowledge and behavior of 463 limited-resource older adults in 13 counties. Counties were randomized to begin with the treatment or control curriculum and then the remaining curriculum. Participants completed a pre-test before beginning, a post-test at the completion of the first curriculum, and another post-test at the completion of the remaining curriculum. Significant results provide an evidence base for this intervention's effectiveness. The study reported here provides factors that can contribute to Extension outreach to limited-resource older adult audiences and to Extension scholarship.

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Information Needs And Challenges Faced By Adult Child Financial Caregivers Of Aging Parents, Patti C. Wooten Swanson Apr 2013

Information Needs And Challenges Faced By Adult Child Financial Caregivers Of Aging Parents, Patti C. Wooten Swanson

Journal of Extension

The exploratory study reported here examined needs and challenges faced by "financial caregivers" for aging parents. Focus group interviews revealed how caregivers (N=22) assisted their parent(s) and financial information needed. Findings indicated most caregivers needed information about later life financial products and processes, and some needed basic financial literacy skills. Caregiver challenges included concerns about adequacy of parents' resources, difficulty communicating about finances, finding/organizing parents' records, accessing parents' accounts, and selecting/financing long-term care. The author concludes caregivers need and could benefit from financial education. She recommends segmenting the caregiver population and targeting subgroups with appropriate methods and messages.

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Community Garden Information Systems: Analyzing And Strengthening Community-Based Resource Sharing Networks, Kristen Loria Apr 2013

Community Garden Information Systems: Analyzing And Strengthening Community-Based Resource Sharing Networks, Kristen Loria

Journal of Extension

Extension professionals play an increasingly central role in supporting community garden and other community-based agriculture projects. With growing interest in community gardens as tools to improve community health and vitality, the best strategies for supporting these projects should be explored. Due to the importance of inter-personal networks in providing informational, material, and human resources for community garden projects, the analytical tool of information system analysis is potentially useful for Extension efforts in this field. The evaluation reported here can be used to inform Extension and other community-based programming to articulate and strengthen such community garden networks.

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Educating Immigrant Hispanic Foodservice Workers About Food Safety Using Visual-Based Training, Lakshman Rajagopal Apr 2013

Educating Immigrant Hispanic Foodservice Workers About Food Safety Using Visual-Based Training, Lakshman Rajagopal

Journal of Extension

Providing food safety training to a diverse workforce brings with it opportunities and challenges that must be addressed. The study reported here provides evidence for benefits of using visual-based tools for food safety training when educating immigrant, Hispanic foodservice workers with no or minimal English language skills. Using visual tools along with hands-on training improved knowledge scores of foodservice workers about thermometer use and cleaning and sanitizing procedures. Extension personnel can use similar educational tools along with accommodation for cultural differences for effective training of immigrant Hispanic workers employed in foodservice and lodging operations, farms, and meat processing plants.

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Creating A Minnesota Statewide Snap-Ed Program Evaluation, Abby Gold, Trina Adler Barno, Shelley Sherman, Kathleen Lovett, Ghaffar A. Hurtado Apr 2013

Creating A Minnesota Statewide Snap-Ed Program Evaluation, Abby Gold, Trina Adler Barno, Shelley Sherman, Kathleen Lovett, Ghaffar A. Hurtado

Journal of Extension

Systematic evaluation is an essential tool for understanding program effectiveness. This article describes the pilot test of a statewide evaluation tool for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program–Education (SNAP-Ed). A computer algorithm helped Community Nutrition Educators (CNEs) build surveys specific to their varied educational settings and curricula. The algorithm determined whether a written evaluation survey was appropriate for audiences and provided a selection of questions based on key nutrition messages presented. Feedback from CNEs regarding the evaluation tool-building process with pre-existing questions indicated that, with revisions, there was value in implementing it on a statewide basis.

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Database Application For A Youth Market Livestock Production Education Program, Marc R. Horney Feb 2013

Database Application For A Youth Market Livestock Production Education Program, Marc R. Horney

Journal of Extension

This article offers an example of a database designed to support teaching animal production and husbandry skills in county youth livestock programs. The system was used to manage production goals, animal growth and carcass data, photos and other imagery, and participant records. These were used to produce a variety of customized reports to help guide leaders and members through the project animal selection and management process and evaluate progress over time. The chief advantage of the system is in its utility in reducing the effort required to perform the many communication and information-sharing tasks that were necessary for success.

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Sextension?, Luciana D. Hockersmith Feb 2013

Sextension?, Luciana D. Hockersmith

Journal of Extension

Many programs in Extension deal with sensitive issues; however, one issue that seems to be comfortably omitted is sexuality education. How can Extension address this issue? This article highlights existing sensitive issues already addressed in Extension programs and offers a challenge to examine the situation for the benefit of individuals, families and communities.

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Collaborative Public Management As A Hunger Prevention Strategy, Sharon R. Paynter Feb 2013

Collaborative Public Management As A Hunger Prevention Strategy, Sharon R. Paynter

Journal of Extension

Collaboration between public and private partners in the food assistance network is critical to reducing hunger. Access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food is a public health concern best addressed through a multi-sector, multi-prong approach. Extension programs across the United States provide community-based responses to hunger and can use their considerable resources to partner with governmental and nonprofit actors to boost participation in federally funded nutrition assistance programs to take full advantage of the dollars already appropriated for hunger relief and to generate economic benefits for communities at large.

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A National Perspective On The Current Evaluation Activities In Extension, Alexa J. Lamm, Glenn D. Israel, David Diehl Feb 2013

A National Perspective On The Current Evaluation Activities In Extension, Alexa J. Lamm, Glenn D. Israel, David Diehl

Journal of Extension

In order to enhance Extension evaluation efforts it is important to understand current practices. The study reported here researched the evaluation behaviors of county-based Extension professionals. Extension professionals from eight states (n = 1,173) responded to a survey regarding their evaluation data collection, analysis, and reporting methods while evaluating their "best" Extension program. The majority used post-tests at the conclusion of their educational activities and reported the actual numbers of respondents. Few respondents collected data representing behavior change. To improve, Extension professionals need to gain evaluation skills and work together to develop strong evaluations that measure change over time.

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Assessment Of Beef Cattle Extension Publication Use Via Internet Download Monitoring, Brandi B. Karisch, Jane A. Parish Feb 2013

Assessment Of Beef Cattle Extension Publication Use Via Internet Download Monitoring, Brandi B. Karisch, Jane A. Parish

Journal of Extension

Publication download monitoring allows Extension professionals the ability to determine client interests. Downloads from a beef cattle Extension website were monitored from January 1, 2010 to September 1, 2011. Trends in Internet download monitoring of the MSUcares site were assessed. Basic beef cattle production publications were most downloaded. Beef cattle reproduction was identified as a key topic area of interest to website users. Popularity of Spanish language publications indicated an increased need for Spanish language translations Extension publications. This information provides a basis for developing future publications, trainings, and Web-based resources that are most in demand by clientele.

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Problems Impacting Extension Program Quality At The County Level: Results From An Analysis Of County Program Reviews Conducted In Florida, Amy Harder, Austen Moore, Melissa Mazurkewicz, Matt Benge Feb 2013

Problems Impacting Extension Program Quality At The County Level: Results From An Analysis Of County Program Reviews Conducted In Florida, Amy Harder, Austen Moore, Melissa Mazurkewicz, Matt Benge

Journal of Extension

Needs assessments are an important tool for informing organizational development efforts in Extension. The purpose of the study reported here was to identify problems faced by county units within UF/IFAS Extension during county program reviews. The findings were drawn from the reports created after five county units experienced program reviews in 2011. External problems with the potential to affect program quality were more numerous than internal problems. The persistent and widespread nature—beyond the counties studied—of the identified problems should create a sense of urgency within the Extension system to develop innovative and collaborative solutions.

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The Data Party: Involving Stakeholders In Meaningful Data Analysis, Nancy K. Franz Feb 2013

The Data Party: Involving Stakeholders In Meaningful Data Analysis, Nancy K. Franz

Journal of Extension

A hallmark of Extension includes the involvement of stakeholders in research and program needs assessment, design, implementation, evaluation, and reporting. A data party can be used to enhance this stakeholder involvement specifically in data analysis. This type of event can not only increase client participation in Extension programming and research but also enhance community buy-in, reinforce human and community development, and provide more authentic data interpretation.

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Starting A Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Information For Starting This Program At A Farmers Market, Megan Parsons, Alfonso Morales Feb 2013

Starting A Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Information For Starting This Program At A Farmers Market, Megan Parsons, Alfonso Morales

Journal of Extension

Farmers markets are important market places offering healthy food sources that can become more accessible for low-income consumers by incorporating Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) to facilitate the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) (Morales, 2011). We reviewed e-mails sent to the second author via the Farmers Market Coalition Listserv and found that many market managers have questions regarding starting this program. In the process, we found that many questions were asked multiple times, indicating the need for the type of technical assistance provided by Extension professionals. Extension agents can use this information to integrate SNAP into new and existing markets.

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Needs And Perceptions Of Cooperative Extension Educators Serving Latino Populations In The South, Molly C. Herndon, Andrew O. Behnke, Maria Navrro, Jenna B. Daniel, Julia Storm Feb 2013

Needs And Perceptions Of Cooperative Extension Educators Serving Latino Populations In The South, Molly C. Herndon, Andrew O. Behnke, Maria Navrro, Jenna B. Daniel, Julia Storm

Journal of Extension

A survey of 982 Extension educators from 12 southern states provides a snapshot of their experiences working with Latino communities. The objective of this article was to gather data regarding Extension educators' desire and perceived ability to work with the new Latino audiences in their communities and inform the development of cultural competency training. The rapid growth of the Hispanic population in rural communities in the South has left many Extension offices ill prepared to meet these new clients' needs. Suggestions for helping Extension educators develop effective partnerships and provide bilingual services are discussed.

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Estimating Local Food Capacity In Publicly Funded Institutions, Andrew J. Knight, Hema M. Chopra Feb 2013

Estimating Local Food Capacity In Publicly Funded Institutions, Andrew J. Knight, Hema M. Chopra

Journal of Extension

This article presents three approaches to estimate the size of the publicly funded institutional marketplace to determine what opportunities exist for local farmers and fishers. First, we found that estimates from national foodservice sales statistics over-estimate local capacity opportunities. Second, analyzing budgets of publicly funded institutions for foodservice expenditures proved more difficult than anticipated. Third, a consumption production model from data provided by the institutions and comparing it to production statistics enabled us to estimate local capacity in publicly funded institutions for specific commodities. The consumption production model provided the most useful estimates for Extension and government decision makers.

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"Let's Talk": Collaboration Between Family And Consumer Sciences Extension Personnel And Teachers, Fahzy Abdul-Rahman, Sharon Jeffcoat Bartley, Merrilyn Cummings, David O’Brien Feb 2013

"Let's Talk": Collaboration Between Family And Consumer Sciences Extension Personnel And Teachers, Fahzy Abdul-Rahman, Sharon Jeffcoat Bartley, Merrilyn Cummings, David O’Brien

Journal of Extension

Interactive meetings between New Mexico Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) teachers and Extension personnel (county Home Economics agents and state FCS specialists) were conducted to promote collaboration between the two parties. Based on pre- and post-meeting surveys, both parties showed similarities in almost all perceptions and expectations concerning collaboration. Teachers expressed significantly stronger wishes for collaborations on presentations and service projects and in the areas of Food Technology and Clothing, Fashion and Textiles in the pre-survey. Significant differences were not evident in the post-survey, indicating the contribution of the meetings in bringing these groups together on attitudes towards collaboration.

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Using On-Line Bulletin Boards To Gather Preliminary Information, Kathleen Kelley, Ramu Govindasamy, Jeffrey Hyde Dec 2012

Using On-Line Bulletin Boards To Gather Preliminary Information, Kathleen Kelley, Ramu Govindasamy, Jeffrey Hyde

Journal of Extension

Internet bulletin-board sessions can be used to collect preliminary, qualitative data. This method allows Extension personnel to gather responses from stakeholders about potential programming, consumer needs and desires, and preference for program delivery method without assembling participants in one location. Several other advantages exist, including time available for moderators and researchers to review participants' submissions and ability to alter questions, if needed. Disadvantages, compared to traditional face-to-face focus group session, exist; however, certain shortcomings can be overcome. Preliminary data collected can help Extension personnel identify issues to explore further including programming and opportunities for stakeholders.

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Extension's Evolving Alignment Of Programs Serving Families And Youth: Organizational Change And Its Implications, Marc T. Braverman, Nancy K. Franz, Roger A. Rennekamp Dec 2012

Extension's Evolving Alignment Of Programs Serving Families And Youth: Organizational Change And Its Implications, Marc T. Braverman, Nancy K. Franz, Roger A. Rennekamp

Journal of Extension

Extension is experiencing a trend toward closer alignment of its programs serving families and youth, notably Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H Youth Development. Projects are more multidisciplinary and comprehensive than in the past, and, in many states, FCS and 4-HYD are also becoming more administratively integrated. Several reasons for this shift are recent developments in social science intervention theory, Extension budget reductions, and land-grant universities' long-term organizational strategies. We discuss implications for Extension faculty and the need to track and understand the restructuring process. Overall, the emphasis on collaboration and comprehensiveness provide opportunities for more effective Extension programming.

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Serving Clientele With Disabilities: An Assessment Of Texas Fcs Agents' Needs For Implementing Inclusive Programs, Rick L. Peterson, Cheryl Grenwelge, Michael R. Benz, Dalun Zhang, J. Aaron Resch, Geraldo Mireles, Lakshmi Mahadevan Dec 2012

Serving Clientele With Disabilities: An Assessment Of Texas Fcs Agents' Needs For Implementing Inclusive Programs, Rick L. Peterson, Cheryl Grenwelge, Michael R. Benz, Dalun Zhang, J. Aaron Resch, Geraldo Mireles, Lakshmi Mahadevan

Journal of Extension

This article reports on a qualitative study to assess Texas Family Consumer Science (FCS) Extension professionals' experiences working with individuals with disabilities and their perceived skills in promoting and delivering inclusive educational programming for this audience. Study results indicate that overall Extension educators viewed inclusive programming for individuals with disabilities as favorable but also reported a number of barriers to successfully implement inclusive programs. Educators' most pressing needs included: professional development in the area of disability, inclusive educational strategies and support funds for necessary accommodations. Implications for promoting and delivering inclusive educational programming for communities are addressed.

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