The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) helps families learn about healthy eating, shopping on a budget, cooking and physical activity. EFNEP staff strive to empower participants, providing knowledge and skills to improve the health of all family members. Participants learn through doing, with cooking, physical activity and supportive discussions about nutrition and healthy habits. EFNEP […]
Community
Hurricane Preparedness Week
Hurricane Preparedness Week is coming to a close, but our Healthy Homes Partnership reminds us that #hurricaneprep can happen anytime. What actions can you take to keep your home safe? Image: Georgia Ready.gov
Communities Feed Kids
There are amazing stories from across Connecticut about the efforts being made to feed our communities. Responding to COVID-19 requires generosity and ingenuity. We recognize, more than ever, it is clear the roles schools play and the necessity of school meal programs to connect and serve healthy and local food with our communities. Put local […]
Home With Chickens: Enhance Your Poultry Skills With Us
Chickens are increasing in popularity with many residents, and for good reason. Owning poultry provides a source of fresh eggs, and is fun. At some point, you may have questions while you are home with chickens UConn Extension, part of the UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources has a suite of resources for […]
Operation Community Impact: 4-H Helps Distribute Milk Statewide
UConn 4-H, the youth development program of Extension in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources is organizing Operation Community Impact. This afternoon, 4-H members and volunteers are working with community partners and the UConn Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) to deliver 7,200 half-gallons of milk donated by Dairy Farmers of […]
Making Minestrone Soup at Home
What’s for dinner? If you’re looking for a new recipe, try this minestrone soup recipe with Heather Peracchio, one of our Extension educators from the UConn Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program.
Headphone Etiquette on the Trail
Headphone etiquette on the trail: With the world situation changing daily, more people have been finding their way out to trails. Some it maybe their 1 st time riding or walking trails. There are still some rules and etiquette that need to be followed. Most of us enjoy listening to music, podcasts or audiobooks to […]
Clean Your Kitchen, Fruits and Vegetables
Heather Peracchio, one of our Extension educators with the UConn Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, shares tips on how to clean your kitchen, fruits and vegetables.
Recommended Cleaning Agents to Kill Coronavirus in your Home
Your kitchen cabinet may be stocked with adequate cleaning supplies to kill Coronaviruses, but you need to be careful as not all chemicals will work. Each disinfecting chemical product has its own specific instructions. An important rule is that you should not immediately wipe a cleaning solution off as soon as you have sprayed it […]
Dairy Foods Outreach
Our UConn 4-H program coordinated with dairy cooperatives, 4-H members and volunteers, and the UConn Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program- EFNEP to have dairy products donated and delivered to food pantries statewide. These products are helping feed families in need throughout the state. We’ve had two days of dairy donations and deliveries and our efforts will continue. […]
Connecticut Seafood Survey Can Help Guide Industry
The final report from the Connecticut Seafood Survey: Assessing Seafood Consumption, Knowledge, Behaviors and Preferences of Connecticut Seafood is now published. This new report from Connecticut Sea Grant includes findings from a survey of Connecticut residents about their seafood related consumption, knowledge, behaviors and preferences. Read the report at: https://seagrant.uconn.edu/?p=6305
Updates from the Connecticut Institute of Water Resources
In a state like Connecticut where water seems plentiful, it is easy to take water for granted. As long as clean water comes out of the tap, water issues may not rise to the top of our list of concerns. Although we do have plentiful water for the most part, there are still many reasons […]
UConn Extension by the Numbers
Extension is a part of UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources (CAHNR). We have over 100 years of experience strengthening communities in Connecticut and beyond. Our educational specialists are ready to work with you and your community. Extension programs cover the full spectrum of topics aligned to the CAHNR strategic initiatives: • […]
Litchfield County 4-H Helps Distribute Dairy to Families in Need
Litchfield County 4-H to Help Distribute Yogurt and Sour Cream to Families in Need Background Facts: Because 30% of the fluid milk gets sold to restaurants, schools and institutions that are now closed, there is a huge surplus of fluid milk on the market now that cannot be further processed into more shelf stable products […]
Disinfectant Q & A on Facebook Live
The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) is hosting a Disinfectant Q&A on Facebook with VA Poison Control, OR Poison Control, and the National Association of Poison Control Centers. Anyone is welcome to join the event. They will address commonly asked safety questions about disinfectants, as well as new questions sent before the event. They are […]
Looking for Open Farm Stands? Use this Map
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, CT Northeast Organic Farming Association has partnered with the CT Dept of Agriculture to expand the list of farms, farmers’ markets, and farm stands beyond the current CT NOFA membership – free of charge and online. It is a joint effort to promote the availability of all Connecticut farmers who can provide food […]
Getting Started with Vegetable Gardening
It’s exciting for those of us who are already passionate about gardening to see the recent interest in vegetable gardens. Seed companies have been doing a great business. Every winter I love to browse seed catalogs and gardening websites and dream about the perfect garden. There is a special joy in eating something you grew […]
Grow Your Own Vegetables: We Have Tips and Resources
Have you been thinking about starting your own vegetable garden while staying home and staying healthy? Now is the perfect time to select some seeds or starter plants and get started. Growing your own vegetables is fun, cost-effective, and helps provide your family with a safe and nutritious food supply. UConn CAHNR Extension has many […]
Thank You, Volunteers!
Thank you, volunteers! It’s National Volunteer Week, and we want to thank all of our volunteers who help us provide programs in all 169 Connecticut municipalities. Last year, our volunteers donated 207,887 hours valued at $5.3 million to Extension programs, a 25% increase over 2018. Our volunteers shifted to virtual programming with us when COVID-19 […]
Common Garden Mistakes
Mistakes are a great learning tool, but they also can dampen any enthusiasm for a new project. When early mistakes compound problems further down the road, they can turn someone away from a pastime that offers great satisfaction, healthy activities and a renewed appreciation of the natural world around us. So, if you are just […]
Litchfield County 4-H Helps Distribute Milk to Families in Need
Background Facts: Because 30% of the fluid milk gets sold to restaurants, schools and institutions that are now closed, there is a huge surplus of fluid milk on the market now that cannot be further processed into more shelf stable products like dried milk and butter fast enough. The price of milk for the farmers […]
Happy 50th Year of Earth Day
Happy Earth Day! Earth day is dedicated to raising awareness and support for environmental protection. This year it is a little different as there are no outdoor events. Luckily, you can still celebrate from home! Maggi Anstett, one of our UConn CAHNR students, suggests many ways you can demonstrate your support.
Make Your Own Energy Trail Mix
Check out this awesome recipe shared by our UConn Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program- EFNEP Educator Erica! Energy Trail Mix Many prepackaged trail mixes are very expensive, plus they might have extra added sugar or salt that you don’t need. You may never buy a bagged trail mix again after you try our recipe! We’ve […]
Lower Fairfield County Master Gardener Program
The Lower Fairfield County Master Gardener Program wants to partner with you! Whether you are already a passionate gardener who would like to take your learning to the next level, a beginning gardener in search of a knowledgeable resource, or a community/group with a gardening need, the Master Gardener program is here for you. […]
Take Climate Action at Home
Visit https://environmentalaction.extension.uconn.edu/ for more information. Video: Laura Cisneros
Extension in Our Communities
Programs delivered by Extension reach individuals, communities, and businesses in each of Connecticut’s 169 municipalities. UConn Extension has collaborated with our partners, communities and stakeholders for over 100 years. Find your community on our map of Extension programs (based on 2019 data) and see how active we are in your city or town. Learn more […]
Agricultural Stress Management
We understand many of our Connecticut farms and families have been dealing with stress long before this pandemic took place. Through a collaborative of UConn Extension faculty and staff along with some of our critical partners (Farm Credit East, ACA, Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Connecticut Farm Bureau, CT NOFA, Eggleston Equine, and Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services) […]
Job Opening: Educational Program Assistant – Litchfield County
The UConn Extension Center located in Litchfield County is seeking applications for a full-time Educational Program Assistant 1. This position is responsible for supporting and helping implement high quality, comprehensive, Extension programming at different program sites throughout the region, with specific support to Livestock, Greenhouse, Master Gardener and 4-H programs. The Educational Program Assistant 1 […]
Grant Will Fund Creation of Climate Impacts Video
Adapt CT, an outreach partnership of Connecticut Sea Grant and the Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR), has been awarded a $2,978 grant to fund a student intern to work on a video about climate change in Connecticut. The video is intended primarily for municipal commission members. The grant is one of 14 […]
CT Trail Census Releases COVID-19 Trail Impact Report
UConn Extension is pleased to release the latest data on how several of the state’s most popular multi-use trails are being impacted by COVID-19. The new report documents trail use during March 2020 at 13 sites on multi-use trails in Connecticut, and compares use with the same period in 2019, as one indication of the […]
CDC Resources for COVID-19
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is the best source of information on health-related information related to COVID-19. Here are a few of their recent posts that you might be interested in: Running Essential Errands Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19 SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 2020 (NEW) Cloth […]
Economic Assistance Programs for Agriculture & Businesses
Economic Assistance Programs Paycheck Protection Program The Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses. Applications can be submitted starting today. Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as […]
New Guidance on Essential Employee Safety
New Guidance from State on Essential Employee Safety Just released guidance from State of Connecticut on health recommendations for essential employees. In addition to already widely available social distancing and sanitary recommendations, highlights are as follows: Control and monitor external visitors on work site Discourage carpooling Increase physical space between employees and customers (drive throughs, […]
Online Education Resources from Connecticut Sea Grant
Connecticut Sea Grant is encouraging teachers and parents to check out the many online educational resources available that can be used for virtual and at-home lessons about Long Island Sound and the larger marine environment. These can be found on the educational publications section of the CT Sea Grant website. In addition to online resources, a […]
Focus on Nutrition
March was National Nutrition Month, but we should be mindful of our nutrition year round! In addition to maintaining a balanced diet, it’s also important to stay hydrated, especially when incorporating physical activity in your daily routine. Utilizing local trails and paths in your area is a great way to get out and soak up […]
Job Opening: Tolland County Master Gardener Coordinator
The UConn Extension Master Gardener Program is seeking applications for the position of Master Gardener Tolland County Program Coordinator. This is a 16‐hour‐per‐week position and is a temporary, six‐month appointment. Renewal is optional pending coordinator review and availability of program funding. https://bit.ly/TollandMG
CLEAR Mini-webinar Series
In a small attempt at lessening the pain of social distancing, CLEAR has been hosting a “mini-webinar” series since late March. There are two 30-minute webinars per week, on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. So far, we’ve held 5 and had almost 500 people in attendance. The webinars are also taped and posted on the website. […]
CARES Resources for Small Businesses
Senator Murphy suggests if business or nonprofit owners/CEOs have questions about what they qualify for or help with the applications, they can reach out to any of these offices for assistance: SBA CT Office Website: https://www.sba.gov/offices/district/ct/hartford 860-240-4700 Interim SBA CARES rule Small Business Owner Guide to the CARES Act, providing info on SBA major programs and initiatives […]
Social Distancing on Trails
Recommendations for Social Distancing on Trails Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to heading to trails — wash hands, carry hand sanitizer, do not use trails if you have symptoms, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, etc. Observe at all times CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of six feet from other […]
COVID-19 and Pets
A message from CDC: There is no reason at this time to think that any animals, including pets, in the United States might be a source of infection with this new coronavirus that causes COVID-19. To date, CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United […]