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Family Consumer Sciences
Jean F. Austin
Extension Educator, FCS
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The Community Food Pantry serves Kent County residents in need of food. Foods offered by the pantry are meant to ensure a well balanced diet, but many clients choose not to take some food items. In March 2001 Jean along with members of the Kent Food and Nutrition Committee provided nutrition information and prepared foods to encourage pantry clients to select and use rice, beans, nonfat dry milk and canned meats. More than 50 people tasted and discussed the use of the nutritious items highlighted in this month-long effort to help people improve food security status.
FAMILY FINANCES
Individual counseling and group training programs are ongoing. Clients receive personalized assistance with budgeting and reduction of credit card debt. Clients come for as many sessions as needed to help them achieve financial stability. Two state wide programs, Certified Money Management Counselor training and Living in the State of Poverty Simulation help raise awareness of the need to carefully manage family financial resources. During 2002 MCE will be participating in two important new Family Finance programs, "America Saves" and "Financial Security in Later Life." More information on both of these programs is available at www.reeusda.gov/financialsecurity/
FAMILY LIFE
Parenting, Family Resiliency, Child Care Provider EducationAvailability and affordability of quality child care is an issue for many, if not all, working parents. In Maryland availability of space in regulated child care centers for all the children under 12 years old who need care is shrinking and the number of parents seeking quality care is expected to grow. By 2004 the Maryland Committee for Children estimates that there will be regulated programs for only 37% of the children who need care. There is no gurantee that the care providers will be close to home or work or affordable.
Addressing the many aspects of our child care provider system is a complex question. Providing support to child care providers is a commitment of the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension and a national priority of the Extension system.
Addressing the many aspects of our child care provider system is a complex question. Providing support to child care providers is a commitment of the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension and a national priority of the Extension system.
It is the policy of the University of Maryland, Agricultural Experiment Station and Maryland Cooperative Extension, that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital or parental status, or disability. If you need special assistance to participate, please contact Kent County Extension Office at 410-778-1661.
For more information, contact TJ Brown
Last updated: 05/30/2007