Family and Consumer Science

SOLUTIONS IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Searching for objective, reliable and credible answers to your food and nutrition questions? Are you looking for ways to help reduce your impact on the environment, save money, and live a healthier, happier life? Do you need ideas or extra help with ways to cut down expenses either around the holidays or vacations? Look no further. The Family and Consumer Sciences Program of the University of Maryland Extension is here to help!

Our office is conveniently located next to the Health Department at 330 Montevue Lane in Frederick, Maryland. We offer health, nutrition, and food related information, resources and classes. To request any of the following nutrition education programs contact, Deborah Rhoades, Licensed Registered Dietitian and Extension Educator by calling 301-600-3573; TTY: 301-600-1672 or e-mail drhoades@umd.edu. To request any of the finance-based or living green/healthy homes education programs contact Nancy Lewis by calling 301-600-1598: TTY: 301-600-1672 or 3-mail nlewis12@umd.edu. Programs are available for all groups (of 10 or more) including individuals, Federal, State and County agencies, organizations, churches, businesses, etc.

Sample classes include…
ENJOY THE GREAT TASTE OF NUTRITION
Come and discover the most current research and guidelines on nutrition based on the USDA My Pyramid and Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Learn about new technology resources to help you select a healthy diet and be active.

HEALTHY EATING ON THE GO
Do you find yourself eating a quick meal while you are on the run? Do you eat junk food or snacks instead of taking the time to prepare a meal? While the world and our lives have drastically changed everyone still wants dinner on the table. Learn to make family meals a reality with this practical workshop. Tips and tools on grocery shopping, meal planning, eating out, and using meal preparation services are covered.

PREVENTING CHILDHOOD OBESITY
Join the campaign to tackle the childhood obesity crisis. This session will give an overview of the crisis both nationwide and in Maryland. Learn how community resources are working together to combat this problem and how parents and caregivers can foster positive eating and exercise behaviors in children.

SPENDING LESS, EATING BETTER
Explore ways to decrease your food dollar in 2008. Improve your skills at meal planning and grocery shopping using practical tools and new technological resources. Learn about Frederick County resources to assist families to stretch their food dollars.

DIABETES AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
Learn how to prevent and manage diabetes and excess weight through healthy eating in our three part series. Discover meal planning techniques using diabetic exchanges and carbohydrate counting. Tips on dining out, artificial sweeteners, and food labels will be discussed along with tasting recipes that can easily fit into a diabetic diet. This series is for individuals with Type II diabetes and is conducted by a licensed registered dietitian.

LIVING THE "GREEN" LIFE
Find out what it means to be "green". Explore ways to help reduce your impact on the environment, save money, and live a healthier, happier life. Receive handouts with tips to help you on your journey down the "green" path.

"STAYCATION"-PLANNING THE PERFECT VACATION IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD
Have rising gas prices affected this year's family vacation plan? Do you feel short changed because you have had to put a hold on that dream of driving cross country? Never fear - the "staycation" is here! Join the many that are looking at vacationing in a whole new light and learn new and creative ways to get away without putting a strain on your wallet.

SAVING MONEY DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Are you experiencing holiday panic? Did the money you put aside for gifts and decorations get used to buy gas just to get you to and from work? Don't worry. We've got some money-saving ideas to help you salvage this holiday season.

HELP YOURSELF TO A HEALTHY HOME
Many homes contain environmental hazards that may pose a risk to the adults and children who live there. Do you know what environmental hazards may exist in your home? Learn how to identify potential environmental risks in your home and learn what steps you can take to reduce those risks.

For more information, contact Linda Smith

Last updated: 09/17/2009