Making a Difference with EHC
by Tristin Bolton - February 2, 2021
As I reflect on the history of Home Demonstration Agents and Extension Homemakers
in Arkansas, I see hope, determination, and dedication to the families in Arkansas.
Women developed strong leadership skills and became empowered as they invested in
the rural families around them. While it may seem like we may never return to “normal”,
I feel assured we will find a new and better way of living in the coming years.
2020 is behind us. We leave behind a year of challenges, unforeseen obstacles, changes
to our families, friends, work, and way of live. While it may seem like we may never
return to “normal”, I feel assured we will find a new and better way of living in
the coming years.
As I reflect on the history of Home Demonstration Agents and Extension Homemakers
in Arkansas, I see hope, determination, and dedication to the families in Arkansas.
Women developed strong leadership skills and became empowered as they invested in
the rural families around them. Organized home demonstration work began in 1915, after
the passage of the Smith-Lever Act.
In the beginning the focus was on food preservation, specifically bread making, safe
canning, cooking, drying, and fireless cooking. But as the needs of Arkansans changed,
the work of the women evolved.
During the first World War there was a shortage of meat and resources for families
across the world. In response, Arkansas home demonstration women ate less meat and
found substitutes. Cottage cheese became a staple substitute for meat. A state cottage
cheese specialist was hired and women began to adapt to the challenge and changes
facing them.
During the Great Influenza Epidemic of 1918 and drought that plagued the state their
work continued. Much as our work has continued through the COVID-19 pandemic. Most
of the home demonstration kitchens were converted into diet kitchens that provided
soup and food to those fighting the disease. It is reported that over 2,000 people
were provided meals in the Little Rock area alone.
Although the Food Insecurity Statewide Community Service Project was designed and
implemented prior to our current pandemic, it is a timely and needed project. Food
insecurity in Arkansas is on the rise and with new challenges families are facing,
it could become worse. AEHC is working to bring awareness to the issue and support
those in need.
One thing remains the same when looking at the history of EHC in Arkansas, our members
are hopeful, determined, and dedicated to the success of families and Arkansans around
them. I encourage you to not grow weary during these times, but to reflect on our
history and positive impact. Together, we will continue to empower individuals and
families to improve their quality of living through continuing education, leadership
development and community service.
Cottage Cheese Sausage
1 cup cottage cheese
½ tsp. thyme
1 cup dry breadcrumbs (or ½ cup cold cooked rice and ½ cup breadcrumbs)
1 tbs. milk
1 tsp. salt
1 tbs. peanut butter (or 1 tbs. of fat)
¼ tsp. pepper
¼ cup peanut meats
1/3 tsp. soda
½ tsp. sage
1 tbs. finely chopped onion
Cook onion in the fat until tender but not brown, mix onion with peanut butter if
that is used. Dissolve soda in milk and work it into the cheese. Mix all other dry
ingredients with breadcrumbs. Then combine mixtures. From into cakes, dust with breadcrumbs
or cornmeal and fry a delicate brown. Using very little fat for frying.
Source: Cornell University
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