Staff from across the state gathered on campus this week for the annual Family and Consumer Science (FCS) Spring Institutes. Staff learned about ethics, emerging youth audiences, breastfeeding support, volunteer engagement, STEAM education, intergenerational programming, incorporating seasonal produce, and much more! Four new faculty members within the department were present to connect with colleagues and share their vision for the future of Cooperative Extension. Program leaders across the department also shared updates related to their current work and future collaborative efforts.

Our featured EFNEP session was presented by Zac Hackney and Jackie Sugg on the topic of Incorporating Seasonal Produce into FCS and EFNEP Programs. Jackie shared about the nutritional significance of eating a variety of colorful produce and Zac highlighted seasonal produce from his local community garden. He challenged participants to take two Med Instead of Meds recipes (Kale, Arugula and Farro Salad & Pasta with Spinach and Beans) and customize the ingredients to incorporate seasonal crops from Eastern North Carolina. Check out the tasty results below!