FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES

Our programs focus on building stronger communities by building stronger families. We promote economic security and individual, family and community well-being in myriad areas. Click on a topic below to learn more (or, show all content).

Sustainable home environments

Most people spend more than 90 percent of their time indoors, either at home or in other buildings. Here are things you can do to make your home healthy and safe.

Nutrition, health, and food safety

Good nutrition isn’t about counting calories or eating only “healthy” foods or never again eating your favorite food. Good nutrition is about making food choices that allow you to stay healthy and well and have the energy you need to do the things you want to do. It’s about making informed choices based on your knowledge of food nutrients, food systems, food safety and food storage and finding your balance between food and physical activity. Good nutrition can contribute enormously to your quality of life and to extended good health even into very old age.

Family economic security

Money is not magic. Money is neither good nor evil. Money simply is a tool to help you live a better life, to get what you need and want in life.  But needs and wants are not the same thing. The smart consumer understands the difference and makes spending decisions that help achieve financial goals. Most millionaires do not inherit money; they earn it over many years and make the kind of spending decisions that allow them to keep more of what they earn. Their secret is learning and practicing certain money skills: planning, budgeting, using credit and debt wisely, saving, investing and making their money work for them. You, too, can learn these skills. Here’s help:

Parenting skills

The decision to become a parent and start a family is perhaps the most profound decision most of us will ever make. Yet few of us are prepared to understand that truth or undertake the level of change and commitment required for success. A little sound knowledge, put into practice daily, can help you make your family and parenting experiences successful. Start here by clicking the links below.

Caring for aging family members (external link)

Cancer prevention (external link)