UACES Facebook The 2020 Census and Covid-19
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The 2020 Census and Covid-19

Have you completed your 2020 census yet? If not, now is the time!

Nashville, Ark. – Have you completed your 2020 Census yet? If not, now is the time. At the start of every decade, the U.S. Census Bureau conducts a count of the people living within the borders of the United States. The results are used to determine everything from the number of elected representatives to a community’s grant application for broadband access.

How important is it to complete the census? Do you enjoy having nice, paved roads to drive on? How about top-rated schools with the latest technology? If these things are important to you, then you will want to be counted!

More than 130 federal programs rely on data from the U.S. Census when determining spending at state and local levels. Currently there are 55 federally funded programs at work in Arkansas. Many of these programs are integral to rural development. Just a 1% undercount of Arkansas in 2020 may result in nearly $1 billion in lost funds over a 10-year period, according to Arkansas Counts. This affects funding to public schools, roads and many other services we want.

            Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional means of census outreach, such as sending enumerators door-to-door and organizing Census Questionnaire Assistance Centers in communities, are no longer options.

            So how can you ensure your communities are counted during times of social distancing? If you have not completed the card that was sent out in March, do so now and put it in the mail. There are other options you can use as well. You can complete the report online at www.my2020census.gov or by calling 844-330-2020. These methods are easy and safe as they do not require any in-person interaction and should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete entirely without leaving home.

            Spread the word. When visiting with friends and relatives by phone, ask them if they have completed their census. Encourage them to complete it and mail it in. It is quick. It is easy. And it is secure.  Participation in the Census is a vital investment in the long-term health and well-being of our communities, and provides foundational data used by experts to respond to public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. People can respond online, via phone or via mail from now to August 14. After that date, Census takers will interview households in person by phone, or by mail.

            Make sure you are counted in 2020! It is vital to your community! For more information on the Census, check out their website at www.my2020census.gov.

            The Howard County Cooperative Extension Service is working for you! While public health recommendations may limit in-person contact, we are increasing outreach through online resources. Check out our website at www.uaex.uada.edu. We also have a Facebook page for each of the areas we work in: Family Consumer Sciences, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and 4-H Youth Development. Search for and then like our pages. Each day, we are working to provide information to help you through challenging times. Of course, you can always call our office at 870-845-7517. We will be glad to help answer your questions!

Recipe of the Week

            Warm weather encourages us to fire up the grill! This recipe uses ingredients you probably have on hand without having to get out. Use a 4-5-ounce chicken breast; however, most chicken breasts purchased at the store are twice that size. Cut them in half lengthwise to get a more appropriate portion.

Marinated Grilled Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (4 to 5 ounces each)

Basic Marinade:

½ cup orange juice

4 Tablespoons olive oil

1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon oregano or thyme

Citrus Marinade:

½ lime, juiced

½ orange, juiced

1 Tablespoon honey

2 Tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon soy sauce

Dash of pepper

            In a small bowl, mix ingredients for one of the marinades above together. Set aside. Place chicken breasts in a glass pan or large plastic zip-top bag. Pour marinade over chicken, cover or close bag and place in refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

            Discard marinade and grill chicken 7-8 minutes on each side. Insert thermometer into thickest part of chicken breast until it registers 165 degrees F.

            Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Yield: 4 servings

 

 

By Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Media Contact: Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
421 N. Main St, Nashville AR 71852
(870) 845-7517
jince@uada.edu

 

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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