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Living Well Through Family Consumer Science Programs

Find out what FCS programs are conducted in Howard County.

Nashville, Ark. – March has been designated as “Living Well Month” to encourage all Americans to improve their health and well-being by taking advantage of the educational opportunities offered by the local Cooperative Extension Services. 

An initiative of the National Extension Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS), Living Well Month was developed to increase awareness of educational opportunities and resources designed to help individuals, families and educators improve the quality of their lives, become competent consumers and build healthier communities. 

Many people may be familiar with the services provided by Extension agents for agriculture or the 4-H program, but are unaware of the mission of the Extension Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) program. The Living Well campaign works to educate people about programs and opportunities available to all people in Howard County.

Recent FCS programs in Howard County include:

  • “Cook Your Way to a Healthier You” -  a hands-on cooking class which focuses on the DASH Diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)
  •  Extension Get Fit – an exercise program to improve strength, balance and flexibility
  • Get Real-Here’s the Deal – a real “life” financial simulation for Junior High students
  • The Best Care program to provide verified training for child care providers
  • Nutrition education programs through SNAP-Ed

In addition to the community and youth programs conducted by Jean Ince as County Extension Agent - FCS, she serves as advisor to Howard County Extension Homemakers, a group of 50 volunteers who focus on community service, education and leadership.

Extension Homemakers are a vital component in FCS programming. They often serve as facilitators for FCS projects and spread the mission of Extension Family and Consumer Sciences throughout the region. Their focus is on education, leadership and community service.

Family and Consumer Sciences (formerly Home Economics) programming is driven by the needs of each county. County FCS agents utilize local residents in advisory committees to identify specific needs that can be addressed through educational programs.

Healthy families are the cornerstone of healthy communities. Family and Consumer Sciences put non-biased, research- based information to work in people’s lives, helping families find answers for living well, raising kids, eating right, and spending smart.

The Cooperative Extension Service was created by the Smith-Lever Act signed by President Woodrow Wilson on May 8, 1914.  For over 100 years the underlying philosophy of the Extension Service has to help people help themselves by taking the university to the people: by providing adults and youth the necessary skills and knowledge to help them achieved the best quality of life possible.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services, including Extension Homemakers, 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.

For more information about Family and Consumer Sciences programs offered in Howard County, contact Jean A. Ince at the Howard County Extension office, 421 N. Main St., Nashville, AR.  Interested persons may call 870-9845-7517 or email jince@uada.edu.

Recipe of the Week

            Healthy eating programs are just one of the educational programs Family Consumer Science agents promote and conduct. Here is a tasty, nutritious recipe perfect for St. Patrick’s Day feast or any time of the year. It was prepared and served at the recent DASH diet cooking program and was a favorite!

Homemade Mac and Cheese

3 cups whole-wheat pasta

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss)

1 container (5.3 ounce) plain Greek yogurt

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon garlic powder

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Remove and set aside ½ cup of the cooking water.
  2. Place spinach in the bottom of a colander. Pour the pasta and remaining water over the spinach.
  3. Add pasta and spinach back to the pot. Add cheese and reserved ½ cup of pasta water. Stir until cheese is melted. Remove pan from heat.
  4. Add yogurt, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir until even and creamy.

Yield: 6 servings (2/3 cup)

Nutrition Facts per Serving: 270 calories, 10g fat, 5g saturated fat, 30mg cholesterol, 210mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate, 14g protein, 20% calcium, 10% iron, 6% potassium.

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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