In this report...

University of Illinois Extension is a busy place! Each month, this brief newsletter will highlight the accomplishments of one of the Ogle County Extension program areas. We encourage your comments and questions. This month, we are providing information about our Family Nutrition Program. Feel free to contact Mary Beth Christen, FNP Community Worker, with any questions at mchriste@uiuc.edu.

The University of Illinois Extension Family Nutrition Program (FNP) is designed to teach and promote safe and healthy eating for food stamp eligible families. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Stamp Program.

We provide research-based educational materials emphasizing nutrition, food safety, food budgeting and healthy lifestyles. Many of our materials are available in both Spanish and English.

Programs and materials are offered at many locations throughout Ogle County including the Department of Human Services in Oregon; Ogle County Health Department WIC; Head Start; food pantries; Ogle County Housing Authority; Senior Citizens Centers; Kishwaukee Community College Family Literacy Program in Rochelle; and selected schools in Rochelle. Locations are selected based on the potential to reach food stamp eligible families.

Each month, the Family Nutrition Program provides information on different topics. Topics to be addressed for the remainder of this program year include:

·Cooking Utensils

·Cutting Food

·Mixing Ingredients

·Cooking Food

·Ingredient Substitutions

·Recipe Steps

Ogle County Health Department WIC

(Women, Infants and Children)

WIC clients in Rochelle and Oregon learned about:

Shopping for Food–Including how to make and use a shopping list, how to use grocery ads and coupons, and how to compare food brands to save money. They also learned how to keep food safe while shopping and how to read Nutrition Facts labels to help them choose healthy foods.

Family Mealtime–Emphasized the importance of sitting together and eating as a family as a benefit for children. Children who eat with their family are more likely to eat a nutritious meal and will more likely do well in school.

Food Pantries

Rochelle Christian Food Pantry

Lifeline Food Pantry-Oregon

Polo Lifeline Food Pantry

Recipes and food samples are presented to the pantry clients as healthy ideas and ways to use food pantry items including commodity foods. Many clients comment on the recipes and use them at home.

Department of Human Services

Recipes and food samples are offered in an effort to assist clients in better managing their food budget, while at the same time enjoying delicious and nutritious foods. We also offer a life skills class concentrating on meal planning, shopping for food, and stretching your food dollars using available local resources.

The FNP program is funded in part by the USDA in order to reach food stamp eligible populations. As such, there are restrictions on the schools which may participate. Currently, we are providing programming for grades K-5 at Lincoln, Central, and May schools in Rochelle.

The "My Pyramid Food Guidance" system is presented to children in an interactive format using displays, games and demonstrations. Kids also enjoy a healthy snack that is prepared for them or one they help prepare.

Students learn about the dietary guidelines, food groups, serving sizes, and the number of servings they need daily to build healthy and strong bodies.