Family and Consumer Sciences

Live Smart Ohio

Ohio State University Extension

food safety

Summer Safety

Summer is here! It’s the season for enjoying nature, family, delicious summer foods, and outdoor activities! While we’re having summer fun, we still need to be mindful of safety. Stay safe and prepare for these activities. Food Safety Grilled and picnic foods are some of the best things about summer. To keep your loved ones […]

WRITTEN BY: Caitlin Mathews-Smith, OSU Extension, Guernsey County, Family and Consumer Sciences

REVIEWED BY: Amanda Bohlen, OSU Extension, Washington County, Family and Consumer Sciences

PHOTO CREDITS:

  • Pixabay

REFERENCES:

  • 10 Open Water Safety Tips. National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA). https://ndpa.org/10-open-water-safety-tips/
  • Summer Safety Tips. American Red Cross. https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/summer-safety.html#:~:text=Summer%20is%20a%20great%20time,vegetables%2C%20cheeses%2C%20and%20desserts.
  • (2023, April 18). Sun Safety. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm
  • Zoonotic Disease Program-Ohio Department of Health. https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/zoonotic-disease-program

FCS February

When we think of February, a few celebrations come to mind: American Heart Month, Black History Month, Groundhog Day, Super Bowl Sunday, Valentine’s Day, and President’s Day. Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Educator Day probably isn’t something you’ve heard about, but it takes place this year on February 15th and highlights the field of study […]

WRITTEN BY: Caitlin Mathews-Smith, OSU Extension, Guernsey County, Family and Consumer Sciences

REVIEWED BY: Amy Meehan, Healthy People Program Specialist, State Office, Family and Consumer Sciences

Take your Grocery Shopping Online

Last week I placed my first ever online grocery order. I am the type of person who enjoys going to the grocery store, but as I am striving to do my part to help flatten the curve, I am following expert recommendations to minimize grocery store trips for the time being. Perhaps you are a […]

WRITTEN BY: Jenny Lobb, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension Franklin County

REVIEWED BY: Amy Meehan, Healthy People Program Specialist, Ohio State University Extension

SOURCES:

  • OSU Extension (2020). COVID-19 and Food Safety FAQ: Is coronavirus a concern at grocery stores? https://producesafety.osu.edu/sites/prsafety/files/imce/OSU_Grocery_COVID-19_Flyer_031920.pdf
  • Sugar, R. (2020). Your coronavirus grocery questions, answered by experts. https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2020/3/30/21199714/grocery-store-delivery-coronavirus-safe-empty
  • Sweeney, L. (2020). Grocery Ordering Online. OSU Extension Family and Consumer Sciences. https://fcs.osu.edu/news/grocery-ordering-online
  • Utah State University Extension. Pros and cons of online grocery shopping. https://extension.usu.edu/news_sections/home_family_and_food/pros-cons-online-grocery-shopping

In the Calm BEFORE the Storm

While I love the warmer temperatures that come with spring and summer, I do not like the severe storms. As we have just seen here in Ohio, the results can be devastating to individuals. With severe storms, people may lose electricity and/or water which makes daily living tasks such as safely maintaining and preparing food, […]

WRITTEN BY: Misty Harmon, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Perry County, harmon.416@osu.edu

REVIEWED BY: Jenny Lobb, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Franklin County

PHOTO CREDITS:

  • https://pixabay.com/photos/road-earth-storm-horizon-meadow-2155402/
  • https://pixabay.com/photos/storm-damage-oak-tree-break-597217/

SOURCES:

  • Centers for Disease Control, (2018). Educational Materials by Topic. Found at: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/educationalmaterials.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fdisasters%2Fhandhygiene.html
  • Centers for Disease Control, (2019). Keep Food and Water Safe After a Disaster or Emergency. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/foodwater/facts.html
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Emergency Supply List. Retrieved from: https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1390846764394-dc08e309debe561d866b05ac84daf1ee/checklist_2014.pdf
  • United States Department of Agriculture, (2013). Preparing for a Weather Emergency. Found at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/emergency-preparedness/preparing-for-a-weather-emergency/ct_index
  • United States Department of Homeland Security. Financial Preparedness. Found at: https://www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness
  • United States Department of Homeland Security. Make A Plan. Found at: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
  • United States Department of Homeland Security. Plan Ahead for Disasters. Retrieved from: https://www.ready.gov/
  • United States Department of Homeland Security. YOUTH PREPAREDNESS: Empowering the Nation’s Future. Found at: https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1480971205120-e250ebf542d7c1aa40e6d6188798e41f/Youth_Resources_One_Pager_20160706_508.pdf

Prevent Food Poisoning

Anybody can get food poisoning, but some people are more likely to get seriously ill. Every year, an estimated 1 in 6 Americans (or 48 million people) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die of foodborne diseases. However, certain groups of people are more likely to get a foodborne illness (also called food poisoning) […]

WRITTEN BY: Kate Shumaker, MS RD, LD, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Holmes County, shumaker.68@osu.edu

REVIEWED BY: Amy Meehan, MPH Healthy People Program Specialist

PHOTO CREDITS:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

SOURCES:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/education-month.html on 9/14/17
  • Partnership for Food Safety Education, retrieved from http://www.fightbac.org/ on 9/14/17

Share the Harvest, Feed the Hungry

It’s that time of year – the neighbors are busy harvesting and sharing the bounty of their gardens. There are times that gardens produce much more produce than is possible for a family, or even a neighborhood, to use. Donating wholesome foods to local food banks and food pantries reduces food waste, prevents foods from […]

WRITTEN BY: Christine Kendle, MS, RDN, LD, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Tuscarawas County, kendle.4@osu.edu

REVIEWED BY: Emily Adams, MS, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Coshocton County

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