Tuesday 5/8

Tuesday we met at the extension office and learned a little about 4-H and and the OSU extension program.  First, Brittany talked to us about 4-H and how it has changed over the years.  Many of us assumed that 4-H has a lot to do with farming and agriculture, but we learned that there are many other components that have been added over the years as our country as shifted away from farm life.  The programs are meant for children from all areas to socialize and gain life skills, all while having fun.  Science, citizenship, and healthy living are the three focus areas of the 4-H programs offered.  We learned that the Athens 4-H programs are funded through the county commissioner, OSU extension, membership fees, and fundraisers and is overseen by extension educators like Joyce. 
Joyce talked to us about the OSU Extension system.  We learned that her job is funded through yearly grants.  The focus of the OSU Extension is agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer science, community development, and as discussed earlier, 4H and youth development.  Joyce talked a lot about the Family Nutrition Program, which is a mandatory program for adults on food assistance.  The classes focus on MyPlate, fruit and vegetables, dairy, whole grains, protein foods, food shopping, and food safety.  The OSU extension hires paraprofessionals to teach these classes, and some extension offices offer internships.  It was intetesting to learn about FNP because I never knew there was required education for recipients of food assistance.
Our trip to the extension office was another great opportunity to see where nutrition fits in areas outside of a clinical setting.  It's a shame that so little funding is offered to these types of programs.