What is Family and Consumer Sciences? Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) is one of the many programs offered within the Cooperative Extension Program. FCS combines aspects of social and natural science and deals with the relationship between individuals, families, and communities, and the environment in which they live.

FCS assists the community with a wide body of research-based knowledge about topics that have immediate and long term effects on the lives of the community participants whom we serve. The information provided helps the community participants make healthier decisions concerning their family, home, and food. The family’s physical, financial and emotional health is extremely important. FCS provides education and outreach on issues related to Nutrition, Childhood Obesity, Food Safety, Financial Money Management, and Parenting. In addition, our wellness and nutrition focus includes the Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). FCS is dedicated to meeting the needs of primarily limited resource and diverse Texans across the state. Located in 15 counties, our specialist and county staff offer programs on a variety of topics that are effectively changing the lives of Texas citizens.

Nutrition and Childhood Obesity

Obesity, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease rank high among health problems in all racial groups, but general statistics indicate that the incidence of these health problems are higher in the African American, Hispanic and Native American populations than in any other population groups.

August 2012

In 2006 nearly 5,000 deaths were directly attributed to diabetes, which is the sixth leading cause of death in Texas. In addition, Texas ranks 12th as the most obese state in the nation. Nutrition education programs implemented by FCS staff are critical in providing up-to-date and applicable information to limited resource families in the counties served.

Food Safety

The safety and quality of food for limited resource families continues to be a major concern. Food safety educational programs encourage utilization of recommended practices that will reduce risk of food borne illnesses. Families who have the desire to learn about and change improper food handling and storage habits engage in safe food storage and preservation practices through workshops implemented by FCS staff.

Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program

The USDA explains that obesity, poor nutrition, and limited physical activity are significant health concerns. Poor health disproportionately affects minority and low income populations, and educational opportunities and resources are limited to those individuals within this population. The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is designed to assist limited resource families with children in acquiring the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and changed behavior necessary for nutritionally sound diets. The program also contributes to the participants’ personal development and the improvement of the total family diet and nutritional well-being. It is a unique program that is offered in every state and territory. FCS staff follow a research based learning model that allows them to effectively educate and reach program participants.

Financial Money Management

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2008, 23% of Texas children lived below the federal poverty level, compared to 19% nationally. The effects of poverty are central to the status and well-being of limited resource families. Poverty is one of the most far-reaching and widespread problems in the United States. Managing resources presents many challenges to families balancing work and family but is most critical on families enrolled in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program (TANF). Recent changes, such as welfare reform, threaten to diminish social support programs and push even more children into poverty and other risky situations.

Financial management education was identified as an issue within the counties that we serve, and our FCS staff has designed learning modules to address the economic well-being of limited resource families.

Parenting

The family is one major social support network that is used by limited resource families and individuals to cope with economic and societal pressures. Parenting programs that lead to school readiness, healthy children, and stable nurturing families can positively impact the well-being of children. Parenting education was identified as a critical issue in the counties served by the FCS agents. In an attempt to increase the participation of more males and grandparents, FCS staff has designed and facilitated short courses and small group series at various community centers and work sites.

Danielle Hairston-Green Program Specialist

dyhairstongreen@pvamu.edu Phone: 936.261.5118

Fax: 936.261.5143

For more information contact:

The Cooperative Extension Program serves people of all ages regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, political beliefs, and marital or family status. (Not all classes are protected by legal statutes).