I am truly blessed to have this opportunity to introduce myself as the newest member of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension’s Robeson County Center family. My name is Rosemary Crumb-Pipkin, and I am the new Adult Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program assistant. My goal is to help improve the diet and health of families and increase quality of life. So come on Robeson County, let’s eat smart and move more.
I am a Bladen County native, but I have been a resident of Robeson County for years. I am married to my wonderful husband, Ronnie, and we have two adorable children, Nishayla and Kayla. Throughout my life, I have enjoyed helping people learn things that are beneficial to their everyday life. In my new role, I will be able to continue my passion for helping others by introducing beneficial skills and techniques about food and nutrition.
The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program’s mission is to improve the health of limited-resource families through practical lessons on basic nutrition and healthy lifestyles, resource management and food safety.
The program focuses on helping families improve behaviors in areas of dietary intake as recommended by the Dietary Guidelines and MyPlate, as well as food resource management skills, nutrition and food safety practices.
Participants increase their ability to select and buy food that meets the nutritional needs of their families and gain new skills in food preparation, food storage and food safety. They learn to better manage their food budgets, including the use of electronic benefits transfer, food instruments and cash value Vouchers.
The program’s target audience is limited-resource families with children under the age of 19 living in the household and who are eligible for public assistance. The program serves individuals and families who are expecting a child or who provide non-custodial parental care as long as these individuals meet the income guidelines and are responsible for planning, shopping and preparing food for the children in their care. The program also serves limited-resource, school-aged children.
Participants in this program attend classes that are designed specifically for them. Typical classes are taught once a week for about an hour. Participants are expected to attend a minimum of nine lessons.
During class, you will get a chance to try new recipes and practice new skills that will help you save money on your grocery bill and prepare meals at home in a short amount of time. You will learn new activities to help you move more and increase your energy and physical fitness.
You will have fun doing these things.
Participation is free and is offered at a variety of convenient sites.
