Family and Consumer Sciences

Wondering when to start thawing your turkey, how long leftovers are safe to eat, or how to bake safely for a crowd? Food safety experts will include  Dr. Shauna Henley of the University of Maryland, and Dr. Julie Garden-Robinson of North Dakota State University. Ask your toughest culinary questions so you can cook with confidence!

Join us for a deep dive into how fall seasonal foods can be your secret weapon in the fight against chronic diseases!

Join us for a deep dive into how fall seasonal foods can be your secret weapon in the fight against chronic diseases!

Dining with Diabetes is an evidence-based, national Extension program for adults with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes and their families that teaches healthy meal planning and other self-management skills to help control this disease. This VIRTUAL series will run Wednesdays in October & November from 6-8 PM.  Participants are encouraged to attend all 4 sessions to benefit from this program. 

Wednesdays: October 8, 15, 29, & Nov 5 from 6-8 PM

There will also be a 3 Month follow up session: Wednesday, February 4 from 6-8 PM

Dining with Diabetes is an evidence-based, national Extension program for adults with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes and their families that teaches healthy meal planning and other self-management skills to help control this disease. Diet is an essential component of diabetes management along with physical activity, medication, and monitoring. Participants learn how to prepare healthy, well-balanced meals, incorporate physical activity into their lifestyle, and monitor their ‘numbers’.

The Dining with Diabetes curriculum has been reviewed and certified by the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES) as meeting the 7 Self-Care Behaviors, which are essential for successful and effective diabetes self-management: Healthy Eating, Being Active, Monitoring, Taking Medication, Problem Solving, Healthy coping, and Reducing Risks.

This image courtesy of the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES)
 

Dining with Diabetes complements and does not replace other diabetes education and management programs. It includes a series of four weekly, 2-hour sessions and a three-month follow up class. Each class offers a food demonstration and tasting, discussions regarding important information, recipes, and other resources to help manage diabetes.

You are encouraged to attend all the sessions to gain the benefits from this program.
Participants will learn:

• Menu planning
• Carbohydrate counting
• Portion control
• Label reading
• Healthy fats
• Importance of fiber in managing diabetes

*Note: Individual meal plans are not provided.

Who should attend the Dining with Diabetes program? The program is available to anyone, 18 years or older who is:

• at-risk for or currently has type 2 diabetes
• has pre-diabetes
• a family member or caregiver who provides support for someone with type 2 diabetes
• interested in learning more about managing and preventing type 2 diabetes                                                                                               

University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.
 

Join to celebrate WALKTOBER and take an in-person stroll with us in Havre de Grace, MD.

DID YOU KNOW that Maryland's official state exercise is WALKING? It was designated as such by the state legislature on October 1, 2008, making Maryland the first state in the nation to have an official state exercise. 

As the seasons change, so do our eating habits—and with it comes the opportunity to refresh our knowledge on food safety, health, and nutrition. This class will explore the vital connection between safe food handling and long-term wellness.
What you’ll learn:
✅ Practical food safety tips for the fall season—from grocery shopping to meal prep and storage.
✅ How proper food handling reduces risks of foodborne illness and keeps you and your family healthy.
✅ The link between food safety, balanced nutrition, and disease prevention.
✅ Seasonal nutrition insights—how to make the most of fall produce while keeping meals safe and wholesome.
Food safety isn’t just about avoiding illness—it’s about protecting health, enhancing nutrition, and ensuring every meal supports your overall well-being.
Let’s come together this September to celebrate Food Safety Month and learn how small, mindful habits in the kitchen can have a big impact on our health.

The 2025 Maryland State Fair is back for three weekends of fun! The dates are August 21-24, August 28- September 1, and September 4-7. 

The 2025 Maryland State Fair is back for three weekends of fun! The dates are August 21-24, August 28- September 1, and September 4-7. 

The 2025 Maryland State Fair is back for three weekends of fun! The dates are August 21-24, August 28- September 1, and September 4-7. 

June 10: Health Insurance Management, build up your skills to better understand, manage, resolve, and avoid health cost conflicts.
June 17: MIND Diet, nutrition for better brain health
June 24: Emotional Grief, managing grief and loss through narrative
July 1: Kitchen Eye Spy, learn best practices to save food and maintain your health