UF/IFAS Extension
Polk County
UF/IFAS Extension Polk County is a partnership between the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and the Polk County Board of County Commissioners.
Contact
polk@ifas.ufl.edu
(863) 519-1041
1702 Highway 17 South
Bartow, FL 33830
Hours
Monday - Friday
8am - 5pm
Foolproof Ways to Sneak in the Vegetables this Season
Focus on increasing the amount of vegetables and fruits you and your family eat, instead of focusing on trying to decrease holiday treats.
The holidays are coming! With all the sweets and carbohydrate-loaded dishes around, it is easy to lose sight of the vegetable section of your plate
10/24/2017
Volunteers engage in a “BioBlitz” at Se7en Wetlands Park!
Approximately 12 volunteers and 10 community partners joined together at Se7en Wetlands Park to inventory the area's plants, insects, and wildlife on Thursday, November 15, 2018 during the park's first ever BioBlitz event. Participants used the iNaturalist app to catalog species seen during the event, after a short introduction to the inaturalist application by Se7en Wetlands' Environmental Program
11/15/2018
What's Going on Near You
Canning Under the Cottage Law
Did you know certain foods can be prepared in a home kitchen and sold direct to consumer without needing a certified kitchen?
Learn more about how to produce cottage foods, such as jams and jellies, during the Canning Under the Cottage Food Law class coming up November 9, 2018 at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County office.
We'll review what can and can not be sold under the cottage food law and provide additional info
09/12/2018
Refreshing Tastes of Summertime
Tomatoes and Watermelon
It is summer, and we are surrounded be the refreshing flavors of foods such as tomatoes and watermelon. These foods not only taste great but have a barrage of health benefits as well!
Did you know for example that a two cup serving of diced watermelon has only 80 calories and contains vitamin C to help boost immunity and vitamin A for healthy skin and eyes? Tomatoes and watermelon both contain the antioxidant
06/06/2018
Peanut Butter Challenge Fights Hunger, One Jar at a Time
We hear a lot about hunger.
You’ve no doubt seen public service announcements on television, asking you to give to charitable organizations to help feed people
10/04/2018
Get Out the Grill for Some Creamy, Grilled Avocados!
Avocados are filled with healthy fats and have 60% more heart-healthy potassium than bananas. Florida avocados’ flesh holds up well for grilling and are great for cubing and slicing for adding to salads or sandwiches
08/13/2018
Quick Healthy Meals for Back to School
Do you find that back-to-school new schedules, homework, and after-school activities can cause you to throw up your hands with one more challenge of trying to fit in a healthy meal? You are not alone.
I often hear this concern from families who struggle with how to get their family a healthy meal in the famed 30 minutes or less
08/13/2018
Refreshing Tastes of Summertime
Tomatoes and Watermelon
It is summer, and we are surrounded be the refreshing flavors of foods such as tomatoes and watermelon. These foods not only taste great but have a barrage of health benefits as well!
Did you know for example that a two cup serving of diced watermelon has only 80 calories and contains vitamin C to help boost immunity and vitamin A for healthy skin and eyes? Tomatoes and watermelon both contain the antioxidant
06/06/2018
Enjoy Florida Strawberries!
Sweet Benefits of Strawberries
Strawberries are low in calories and are filled with vitamin C, potassium, folate, fiber, and antioxidants that ward of disease and help our heart. Research suggests eating a serving of eight strawberries a day can help prevent heart disease, manage diabetes, and support brain health
02/02/2018
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