Each year, a $500 scholarship in honor of Sue C. Stivers is made available to an Adair County resident. Sue Stivers was a former Adair County FCS Extension Agent who made a lasting impact on the Adair County community. Applicants should be currently working toward a degree at the University of Kentucky in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment OR pursuing an Education degree at Lindsey Wilson College. Applicants should apply during the spring semester of their junior or senior year. Junior and senior status will be considered both by number of years in college and by number of credit hours attained.
Inflation: How Money Loses Value
A program entitled “Inflation: How Money Loses Value” will be held on Tuesday, March 15, beginning at noon at the Adair County Extension Office. The world is a complicated and constantly evolving place, without even mentioning the global financial system. The pandemic, labor costs, and now European conflicts are affecting how far your dollar can go. During this meeting, we will discuss what inflation is, how it happens, and what you can do to mitigate its effects. This will be a fun and informative program; light refreshments will be provided. Please call the Extension Office for reservations at 270-384-2317.
Children’s Menus: Are They Really For Children?
Chicken fingers, burgers, pizza, grilled cheese, and french fries are the most popular kids menu items. Adults can order similar types of food, but they often have a wider variety of more nutritious options. The idea that children need different foods than adults comes not from scientific studies but from social norms in our culture. The concept of children’s menus originated during the alcohol prohibition era to offset the loss of alcohol sales revenue. Nearly 100 years later, children’s menus remain the norm. But do children really need different options?
A new statement from the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior says no. Other than age-appropriate modifications for texture or portion size, there are no differences in healthy food recommended for adults or children aged two and older.
Foods currently marketed to children are usually highly processed — meaning they are full of energy and low on nutrients to support learning, play and growth. Examples of these types of food include fast food, packaged snacks and desserts, hot dogs and soft drinks. Children’s menu foods are often high in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar and may contain artificial and natural flavors. They are also disproportionately marketed to families with low income and families of color. A diet of children’s menu food tastes good, but it also negatively affects children’s food preferences, encourages picky eating behavior and has future health consequences.
To support healthy growth and development at any stage of life, reframe the concept of children’s food as a variety of tasty, healthy foods. This includes colorful vegetables and fruit; whole grains; nuts, seeds, and beans; lean meat; and low-fat dairy.
For resources and support for planning, purchasing, preparing, and introducing healthy foods to kids (and adults), contact the Adair County Cooperative Extension Service.
Source: Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Family and Consumer Sciences
Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.
