This Fall, the West Unit Meeting of EFNEP educators was filled with warmth, not only because of the autumn season but also due to a special guest! Betsy Hooker, a former EFNEP educator, returned to reconnect with her colleagues. Betsy, who has always been known for her culinary expertise, led a hands-on demonstration of knife skills—essential techniques that are regularly taught to EFNEP participants. It was an exciting refresher for the West Unit educators, as they practiced alongside Betsy to sharpen their skills. But the highlight of Betsy's visit? Her adorable new twin babies, Maverick and Sue, who quickly became the center of attention! Amidst the cooking and catching up, Betsy’s twins were doted on by everyone, adding an extra layer of joy to the gathering.

With the Fall season in full swing, the educators shifted focus to a staple of colder months: soup. Soups are not only a great way to warm up, but they also offer a smart strategy for stretching food dollars and incorporating more vegetables into the diet—a core message of EFNEP. The educators were divided into teams for a fun and interactive challenge to create healthy soup recipes. This team-building exercise gave them the perfect opportunity to not only practice their knife and food demonstration skills but also experiment with nutritious and budget-friendly ingredients.

-Carla Dockery, Regional Nutrition Extension Associate