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By Tana Shealey

It occurs to me, in my way past-my-twenties years, that some of us, including me, love to learn.

Not all of us necessarily seek formal, institutionalized settings for learning, but many of us enjoy learning what we need to know for what we want to accomplish. And that, quite simply, is the biggest component of the Extension mission which is to transform lives through science-based information, practical solutions and meaningful experiences in communities throughout Alabama.

Recently, four Lowndes County residents completed the class “Families Eating Smart and Moving More.” It is one of the many free classes offered through the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) offered through Extension.

“The ladies learned the significance of using a meat thermometer to ensure all cooked meat reaches the appropriate temperature,” said EFNEP Agent Assistant Hannah Davenport. Participants received their own cooking equipment, cooked and sampled recipes cooked during the classes.

“They learned how crucial it is to maintain the temperature of hot and cold items to ensure food is safe. The ‘2-Hour Rule’ states that perishable foods should not remain at room temperature for more than two hours to minimize the risk of bacterial growth,” Davenport added.

Over the course of six lessons, participants in Davenport’s class enjoyed hands-on learning in a local meeting area.

Along with the satisfaction of learning something new or reinforcing existing knowledge, the participants in Davenport’s class received a certificate of completion and a special cookbook with recipes for healthy, affordable meals.

“EFNEP’s goal is to support individuals with limited resources in gaining the knowledge and skills needed to boost their overall health, physical activity, and nutrition. Understanding nutrition labels can impact a person’s life,” Davenport stated.

Davenport is one of over a dozen Agents, Educators, and Agent Assistants who offer classes and workshops in the homes, churches, businesses, and schools of Lowndes County, Alabama. Our Extension team works to impact lives by bringing learning to you from those formal, institutionalized learning settings to positively impact your life.

If you would like to participate in an EFNEP program or schedule one for your community, please call our office at 334-548-2315. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A& M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator, employer, and provider.

Tana Shealey is Lowndes County Extension Director.