One Pot Pasta

We’re cooking up a delicious and budget-friendly one-pot pasta recipe that’s perfect for the whole family! Makes 6 serving | Serving size: 1/6 of the recipe Ingredients Non-stick cooking spray 1/2 pound ground turkey or lean or extra-lean ground beef 1 (14.5 ounce) can no salt added diced tomatoes, not drained 3 cups water 1 … Read More


Pasta Salad

When the temperatures rise and appetites seek something refreshing, a plate of hot pasta might not be the first thing on your mind. This is where the charm of cold pasta salad steps in. This delightful dish not only caters to your pasta cravings but also keeps you fueled with a burst of flavors and … Read More


Kids in the Kitchen

  Getting kids involved in the kitchen and familiar with preparing food is important. It sets an example for a healthy lifestyle and creates an interest in food and cooking. Help your kids develop a love of healthy foods by teaching them to make meals as a family. Benefits of Cooking Together Picky Eaters: Children … Read More


Blueberries for Health

Blueberries have many vitamins and minerals that help lower blood pressure, manage diabetes, protect against heart disease, and prevent cancer. They are a good source of vitamin C and vitamin K. Vitamin C boosts your immune system, while vitamin K helps your blood clot properly. These little berries are low in calories but high in … Read More


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


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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)

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