Family and Consumer Science

Published: 2020
By Roubie Younkin

MSU Extension Valley County programs in Family and Consumer Science span a wide variety of efforts to improve the lives of Montanans. Education in healthy living, financial management, food safety, food preservation, nutrition and mental health, and more is available. Food Safety Adult food managers work through eight hours of intensive training to become ServSafe certified by participating in training from Valley County MSU Extension. The State of Montana requires that a public food service establishment has at least one certified food manager. ServSafe training certifies a valuable skill for participants and helps protect the health of the community through increased food safety practices. Active Living Relief from pain and building strength is the focus of this ongoing, community-based, recreational group exercise and education program. Strong People and arthritis exercises are designed for people of all ages. Multiple activity components help reduce participant pain and stiffness and help maintain or improve mobility, muscle strength and functional ability. Participant feedback indicates that 95% of participants felt stronger, 89% improved balance and 85% moved more freely. Teacher Workshops Providing continuing education for educators in northeastern Montana continues to be a priority in Valley County. Teachers earn 16 renewal units or one graduate/undergraduate credit by participating in this two-day event. Topics included the science of beekeeping and pollinators, and utilizing bee products. The importance of instilling kindness in students through a Kindness Rocks activity was demonstrated. And methods of reducing student and educator stress using Zentangles and mindfulness experiences were explored as tools to enhance learning experiences. NASA Rocketry resources were were provided with an activity for replication in the K-12 classroom. Rural teachers find time and financial savings through this local training opportunity, expanded vision through topics offered, and strategies to present the new curriculum concepts in the classroom.