National Banana Day

  Bananas are high in many vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamin B6, fiber, magnesium, and vitamin C. This fruit is an excellent source of potassium which is a mineral and electrolyte that helps to maintain a healthy balance of water and offset the effects of excess salt intake. Bananas are also easy to digest … Read More


Working With Common Ground Food Pantry

Alyssa Smock, EFNEP educator, and Linda Minges, FCS agent of Gaston County, partnered together to provide healthy recipes and tasting samples to the clients of Common Ground Food Pantry at First United Methodist Church of Stanley. With the help of countless volunteers including ECA members, Extension Master Food Volunteers, and dietetic interns, they were able … Read More


Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a nutrient that can help our bodies to make collagen, protect our cells, and support our immune system. It also helps to keep our brain and nervous system healthy. Another benefit of this antioxidant is that it supports our body’s healing process.  Because our bodies cannot make Vitamin C, we need to … Read More


Chicken Quesadilla

If you ever run out of dinner ideas for you and your family, try out this simple quesadilla recipe! Makes 4 servings | Serving size: 1 quesadilla Ingredients Non-stick cooking spray 1/4 cup chopped onion 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken 2 tablespoons salsa 1/4 cup low-fat shredded cheese 4 (10-inch) whole-wheat tortillas Hot sauce … Read More


Seafood Tips

Seafood is an important part of a healthy diet. Try to include seafood at least twice a week with a goal to eat 8 ounces per week. Use these tips when buying fresh fish: Tips Whole Fish Choose fish that smells like the ocean. Fresh fish should not have a strong odor. Look for bright, … Read More


How Sleep Can Influence Your Eating Habits

  It is important to be aware that your sleep quality can affect your daily food choices. Not Getting Enough Sleep Can Lead to Cravings: Poor sleep is linked to wanting more sugary and processed foods. People who are sleep deprived tend to be more drawn to high-calorie foods. Sleep Problems Can Cause Overeating: A … Read More


National Almond Day

  Almonds are good for your overall health. These tree nuts have been suggested to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol. In addition to improving cholesterol levels, almonds contain vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber. Almonds are heart healthy and can contribute to lower blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure … Read More


Nutrition During Pregnancy

It is always important to eat healthy but for those with a baby on the way, nutrition is even more important! Make sure you are fueling yourself and your baby well during pregnancy with these tips on what to eat, what not to eat, and how much to eat too! Source: Maternity and Family Planning … Read More


8 Ways to Play Tag

Tag is a great game that gets kids running and their hearts pumping, but it can get boring quickly. Here are eight ways to make the classic game of tag more fun for kids and keep them playing for hours! Classic Tag: In its basic form, the game of tag has one person who is … Read More


How to Handle Picky Eaters

Almost every parent knows the struggle of a child who just won’t eat their dinner (or lunch, or breakfast, or snack…). Picky eaters can be a challenge, but there are lots of ways to help children learn to try and like new foods.   First, it’s important for you to have good eating habits. As … Read More


© 2023 North Carolina Cooperative Extension
Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

North Carolina State University
Agricultural and Human Sciences Department

Cooperative Extension at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES)