Extension Report

Baldwin County Extension Office

302A Byrne Street

Bay Minette, AL  36507

Telephone (251) 937-7176 or

928-0860/943-5061 ext. 2222

FAX (251) 937-7285

Carolyn Bivins

Regional Extension Agent

Human Nutrition, Diet & Health

July 19, 2011

“Making Healthy Snacks at the Library” was the grand finale at the Oscar Johnson Memorial Library in Silverhill.  It was the culmination of their Summer Reading Program.  This nutrition for youth program was sponsored by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) - Baldwin and Escambia County Offices.  It provided an opportunity for youth between the ages of 2 - 10 to participate in a fun, food, hands-on nutrition activity.  It was amazing to see how fast this age group volunteered to help me with the demonstrations.  They were so adorable and eager to learn. 

           They learned to prepare two nutritious snacks   (Blueberry Smoothie and Trail Mix). 

Some of the things they learned included:

•          To wash their hands first, before helping

•          How to include colorful fruits and vegetables in their diets. 

•          To skip the pre-made trail mix and made their own

•          To follow a recipe

•          To share

•          To talk about cooking

•          To add ingredients

•          Measure liquids

•          To be a team player

•          About the new ChooseMyPlate guideline

The parents were given folders with basic information concerning the new ChooseMyPlate guidelines.  It’s the replacement for the MyPyramid.  The ChooseMyPlate information encourages parents to be healthy role models for their children.   It has tips to help children develop healthy eating habits for life and urges everyone to be more active. 

For those wanting more in-depth information on healthy eating recommendations,

visit USDA’s website http//www.choosemyplate.gov.  It is the official, research-based website that contains our new guide for daily living.  One thing I really like on that website is the (Dietary Guideline)*DG “10 Tips Nutrition Education Series" that is available. There are about 14 different handouts on various topics that have 10 tips for people to use. 

If you would like to receive a FREE copy of the new ChooseMyPlate and the “10 Tips Nutrition Education Series” call the Escambia County Extension Office at 251-867-7760.    We will be happy to mail you a copy today.

 A great BIG THANKS is extended to the staff at Oscar Johnson Memorial Library for the invitation and to the parents and children participants for the wonderful learning experience.  We had a great time!

Listed below are the recipes the children prepared:

Cool Berry Smoothie

1 carton (6 ounces) plain or your choice of flavored yogurt

1/ 2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries or blueberries

1 small banana (optional)

1 /2 cup skim milk

1 cup fruit juice

Combine all ingredients in blender and cover.  Blend on “mix” until smooth.  Enjoy!

Trail Mix:

Ingredients

•          Oat cereal (like Cheerios)

•          Rice cereal

•          Wheat cereal

•          Cranraisins

•          Almonds, sliced

•          Granola crunch, optional

•          Yogurt raisins

Directions:

1.         Put some of each food in small bowls

2.         Take one-two spoonfuls from each bowl and place in snack-size zip-lock baggies

3.         Combine foods and shake baggie to mix.

Christian and Colton Leachman line up to make their own Trail Mix as Regional Extension Agent Carolyn Bivins looks on.

Mothers and children are all smiles after enjoying nutritious snacks.  They are: Sarah-Claire and Stephanie Hull; Adalyn, Jackson and Christie Lyles; Ella Grace and Danyel Shell, Colton and Christian Leachman with Cynthia Weiskopf; back row: Shirley Stevens, Library Director and Gabrielle Gustfson.

SilvoPasture & Alternative Forest Products Workshop

There will be a SilvoPasture & Alternative Forest Products Workshop at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort on August 4. The meeting will be from 8:45 a.m.-3:00 p.m.  Registration is $15 and can be made payable to ACES and mailed to ACES/SilvoPasture Workshop, 302A Byrne Street, Bay Minette, AL  36507. The deadline for registration is August 2. For more information, call the Baldwin County Extension Office at 937-7176.

Email address: cbivins@aces.edu

Phone: 937-7176 or 943-5061, 928-0860, ext. 2222

Baldwin County Extension Programs are supported by the Baldwin County Commission.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities) in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity educator and employer.