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Author: Nora Rhoades

Online Food Preservation Videos and Publications

Posted on by Nora Rhoades

Looking for ways to learn about food preservation? Videos can help! There are several resources available to help guide you.

From selecting recipes to storage, the process of preserving food safely is in your hands! Start with reliable, tested recipes and follow them exactly. A lot of science goes into food preservation, so using researched recipes is the best choice. Using untested recipes, methods or outdated equipment can lead to spoiled food or foodborne illness.

So let us help! See the video selections at www.rrc.k-state.edu/preservation/videos.html

Many publications are also available at your fingertips! Learn more at www.rrc.k-state.edu/preservation/index.html

Do you pressure can? If so, it’s recommended to have your dial gauge tested annually by the extension office.  Please email Ashley Svaty at asvaty@ksu.edu to discuss a process for testing your gauge to ensure a safe canning season!

By: Ashley Svaty

Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act

Posted on by Nora Rhoades

There are a lot of acronyms in the news these days, which can add to the confusion and stress.  Let’s talk about the acronym CARES.  CARES stands for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.  The CARES Act is a law meant to address the economic fallout of the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic. Its intent is to provide fast and direct economic assistance for American workers, families, and small businesses, and to preserve jobs for American industries.

The CARES Act is funding the stimulus checks that many people currently have received or will be receiving.  Please be aware of scams.  The government will not call and ask for your bank account information, or your social security number, nor will they ask for any payment from you in order to receive your stimulus check.  For additional information on the CARES Act please visit the website https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/cares.

By: Brenda Langdon

Virtual Baking Resources

Posted on by Nora Rhoades

Have you caught the baking bug? If you have, you’re definitely not alone, it seems that flour is flying off of grocery store shelves these days! Baking is a great way to incorporate STEM education during these days of online education and school at home.

To help in this endeavor, the Home Baking Association has a vast list of resources at the click of your computer mouse. Resources are grouped by age category including Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary ages.

The Home Baking Association strives to teach essential living skills while connecting with agricultural and food science, retail baking, milling and baking engineering and technology.

Learn more at www.homebaking.org/distance-learning/.

Many recipes can be found at www.homebaking.org/recipes/

By: Ashley Svaty

Fitting in Fitness While at Home

Posted on by Nora Rhoades

I recently began wearing my physical activity tracker again. About a week ago I woke up and decided I would charge it up and wear it for the day to see how many steps I’m racking up since my daily routine has changed quite a bit. I had been feeling sluggish and not myself so I thought it would be interesting to see the results. Truthfully, my body was telling me in different ways that I wasn’t moving as much as I should have and I didn’t need a fitness tracker to tell me that- but I wanted to see the number. After wearing my tracker for a day, I found I was drastically under my daily goal. This hit me like a rock but it was because I hadn’t been intentional throughout the day to get out and move as much as usual! I had still enjoyed my evening walk but that wasn’t enough to make up for the lack of movement I didn’t make throughout my day. Since that wake up call, I have been extremely intentional about moving more and sitting less while now faced with a new daily routine… Read the full blog post by following this link.

By: Ashley Svaty

Wildlife Management Website Resource

Posted on by Nora Rhoades

Most people enjoy the wide variety of wildlife found in Kansas until that wildlife becomes a nuisance or damages property.  Charlie Lee, K-State Wildlife Management Specialist, has put together a web site on wildlife management at http://www.wildlife.k-state.edu/.  Species covered include everything from bats to woodrats.  Each species page also incorporates quick links for more in-depth information.  One of our most common pest species, moles, includes videos on tracking an active tunnel and setting a mole trap.

This site is an excellent resource for the various options of dealing with our interactions with wildlife in a safe and effective manner.

By: Cassie Homan

State Resource List

Posted on by Nora Rhoades

If you are needing assistance, here is a list or state resources/agencies that may be of help to you and the service that they provide.

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) This program will provide nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of low-income individuals and families helping them afford the food they need to eat. This website has links at the top of the page to apply for assistance. http://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/pages/food/foodassistance.aspx
  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Healthy foods and services to low-income pregnant and breastfeeding women, new moms, and kids under age 5. Find out how to apply by using this website http://www.kansaswic.org/families.

 

 

  • Summer Food Service Program, provides free nutritious meals and snacks to all children 18 years old and under at approved summer food service program sites when school is not in session.

 

  • Senior Nutrition and Resources, provides prepared meals for eligible seniors through various settings such as congregate meal sites, home delivery or grab and go locations. Contact area agency on aging for a site near you.

 

  • Temporary assistance for needy families (TANF), monthly financial support to qualifying low-income families with children to help them pay for basic needs, including utilities, diapers and transportation. https://cssp.kees.ks.gov/apspssp/sspNonMed.portal

 

  • Hero Relief Fund provides childcare subsidies for essential workers who have countable gross income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. http://ksherorelief.com/

 

 

 

 

  • Evictions or Foreclosure Protection, Executive Order 20-10 issued by Governor Kelly, temporarily prohibiting certain foreclosures and evictions in Kansas due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This protection extends until May 1, 2020 or until the statewide State of Disaster Emergency expires, whichever is earlier.

By: Brenda Langdon

Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

Posted on by Nora Rhoades

If you’re looking for a quick and healthy recipe to try at home with your family, this is for you. Try this Med Instead of Meds banana oatmeal pancakes recipe using pantry essentials and you won’t be disappointed!

Ingredients:

  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 bananas, mashed
  • ½ cup of old fashioned rolled oats, uncooked
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon olive oil
  • ½ cup fresh or frozen fruit of your choice (optional)

Directions:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine eggs, bananas, rolled oats, baking powder, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Batter should be cohesive and without lumps.
  2. Heat olive oil in medium skillet on medium-low heat. Once heated, spoon ¼ cup portions of the batter onto skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides (about 4 minutes on each side).
  3. Heat fruit in small skillet until warm, stirring occasionally. Serve over pancakes. You can also serve pancakes with chopped nuts or peanut butter on top.

Source: https://medinsteadofmeds.com/

By: Ashley Svaty