MSU Extension offers programming in Family & Consumer Sciences

Published: 2019
By Sharla Sackman

MSU Extension in Prairie County hosted a Family & Consumer Science track during the annual Winter Ag Series program in January. Guest presenter was Tara Andrews, MSU Extension Agent in Custer County, teaching a hands-on session on cooking for one or two. 31.8% of the population in Prairie County is age 65 and older so households with one to two people are very common. In fact, 92% of the attendees at the workshop live in a household of one or two. Andrews also shared information on the Thrive for Montana web-based mental health program. There are four active homemaker clubs in Prairie County whose interests include nutrition, horticulture, and community improvement. MSU Extension staff assist homemakers in meeting their educational and civic goals by publishing a monthly newsletter containing information on subjects like food nutrition, preparation, and safety, health, financial management, and gardening. These clubs contribute significantly to the community, donating $1,238.46 to the Town of Terry “Save Our Pool” fund and $1,747.50 to the Prairie County Fairgrounds in 2019 alone. MSU Extension Agent Sharla Sackman also assisted the Prairie County Homemaker Council in submitting an application to Humanities Montana to host a Montana Conversations Program. Bill Rossiter presented his program “Brother can you spare a dime? Laughin' to keep from cryin'” which focused on the Great Depression in Montana through history, literature, and songs at the annual Prairie County Homemaker Fall Banquet.