Author: Ivette Lopez

UConn 4-H is hiring 4-H Extension Educators!

4-H logoThe Department of Extension is seeking applicants for three full-time (11-month), non-tenure track Assistant/Associate Extension Educators. One position will target Food and Agricultural Literacy, one on Environmental Literacy, and the other will focus on Healthy Lifestyles Literacy. These three vacant positions are not specifically designated to an assigned location. Final placement will be negotiable, with one educator primarily based in each of the following locations: (a) the Fairfield County Extension Office in Bethel, (b) the New Haven County Extension Office in North Haven, and (c)the Windham County Extension Office in Brooklyn.

See the full position description by visiting s.uconn.edu/4-hjobs2023

Applications will only be accepted through Academic Jobs Online academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/24541

Screening of applicants will continue until the position is filled.

UConn Extension Internship Application Deadline Extended

woman with UConn shirt smiling, and navy blue & green text over a green background

The application deadline for our summer internships has been extended to March 26th. 

Get paid while learning and working in a career-oriented role. We offer internships in the following disciplines:

  • Food
  • Health
  • Nutrition
  • Sustainability
  • Research
  • Agribusiness
  • Youth Education
  • Community Development
  • Marketing

Click here to view internship descriptions.

Most of these roles are for an average 18-20 hours per week over the 10 week summer period with some requiring a bit of weekend and/or evening hours, although these circumstances vary by position. Some of these positions for employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to intern with us this summer!

Click here to apply.

 

From This Land: Honoring Native Foods of Winter

Put Local On Your Tray Native Foods Banner

Along with Narragansett artist, farmer and educator, Dawn M. Spears, Put Local On Your Tray is pleased to announce a new campaign series called, “From This Land: Honoring Native Foods“. The first installment of the series looks at native foods of winter, including maple syrup!
You can find more information about artist Dawn M. Spears, Tray’s goal with the campaign, and many resources for educators including online readings, maps, recipes, and downloadable handouts (original materials created by UConn Extension’s Put Local On Your Tray and Dawn M. Spears).

Click Here

Poultry Workshop

Are you interested in learning how to enhance your poultry skills? Our Extension educators are hosting a Poultry Workshop to help you achieve your poultry goals.

The workshop will be held on Wednesday April 26th, from 10 am – 2pm at the Tolland Agricultural Center (TAC),
24 Hyde Avenue Vernon, CT 06066.  For more information contact Heather Goodman at heather.goodman@uconn.edu

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Hungry or Full?

Waiting too long to eat between meals or overeating at meals can make you question whether or not you are hungry or full. Not drinking enough water  throughout the day can also contribute to feeling hungry.
 
We’ve put together 5 tips to help you recognize whether your body is telling you that it needs food or not. Check in with yourself during the day and ask, “Why am I hungry?” 
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GMO Training for Science/Agriscience Educators

Agriscience and Secondary Science educators:
Apply now for a research study providing 30-hours of professional development training at the UConn Storrs campus about genetically modified organisms (GMOs), receive training in a new curriculum and increase your laboratory skills to expand student understanding. Compensation of $600 will be provided to participants.
Visit s.uconn.edu/applygmo to learn more!
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9 Projects Focus on LIS Marshes, Water Quality, Public Beaches

wetlands with blue sky and clouds

Long Island Sound water quality, salt marsh and public beach characteristics will be examined by marine and social scientists in nine research projects awarded funding by the Connecticut and New York Sea Grant programs (CTSG and NYSG respectively) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Long Island Sound Study (LISS) Research Grant Program.

These new projects, which seek information that can be used to improve the conditions of the estuary for humans and wildlife, are being supported by $4.2 million in federal funds. That will be supplemented with matching funds of $2.1 million, for a total research package of more than $6.3 million.

The projects will be conducted over two years beginning this spring. The results will build on the substantial body of research funded through the LISS Research Grant Program administered by CTSG and NYSG since 2008 which has contributed to improved understanding and management of this nationally recognized estuary. Cumulatively, this represents the largest research investment in the Sound, which has been designated an estuary of national significance and one of the most valuable natural resources for both states.

Click here to learn more about the projects.

 

Questions About Feeding Your Family?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle may be difficulty when you are worried about the affordability of healthy foods and creating nutritious meals. UConn EFNEP, UConn Healthy Family CT, and SNAP-Ed are dedicated to helping you and your family achieve health goals. Scan the QR code to learn more or visit communitynutrition.cahnr.uconn.edu
community nutrition postcard in english community nutrition postcard in spanish

Become a FoodCorps Service Member

About FoodCorps

FoodCorps partners with schools and communities to nourish kids’ health, education, and sense of belonging so that every child, in every school, experiences the joy and power of food. Our AmeriCorps members serve alongside educators and school nutrition leaders to provide kids with nourishing meals, food education, and culturally affirming experiences with food that celebrate and nurture the whole child. Building on this direct service, FoodCorps advocates for policy change, grows networks, and develops leaders in service of every kid’s health and wellbeing. Our goal is that by 2030, every child will have access to food education and nourishing food in school!

What We’re Looking For

  • Commitment to building a healthier future for school children
  • Demonstrated leadership aptitude and effective communication skills
  • Motivation and commitment to serve full-time directly in a community
  • Self determination in the face of challenges and solutions-oriented creativity
  • Respect for diversity of opinion, experience, and background
  • Display a growth mindset by willing to grow through coaching and implementation of feedback
  • Knowledge of the culture, history, and/or language of the communities we serve
  • Desire to gain hands-on experience in food education

To be considered for a FoodCorps service member position, you must:

  • Be 18 years or older by the start of your service term
  • Be a legal, permanent resident of the United States
  • Hold a high school diploma, GED or equivalent at the start of service
  • Individual service positions differ by location. There may be additional requirements, such as language proficiencies and access to a vehicle, depending on the site to which you apply.

What You’ll Do

Our AmeriCorps members work alongside educators to provide kids in K-8 schools with food education and culturally affirming experiences with food that celebrate and nurture the whole child. Although they do this in a variety of ways depending on local partner goals, below are the foundational activities that all Food Education members complete:

Essential Functions

  • Teach hands-on food education and lead taste tests to nourish student’s sense of excitement about eating fruits and vegetables and trying new foods.
  • Grow nourishing food with students, teachers, and families to create dynamic educational gardens where kids can get their hands dirty while learning about food.
  • Build a school-wide movement around nourishing food by building strong, collaborative relationships with teachers, families, and school administrators.
  • Participate in FoodCorps training around teaching, gardening, family engagement, and anti-racism in service.
  • Complete FoodCorps reporting and evaluation to help us measure local and national impact and improve programming.

Non-Essential Functions

  • Publicize FoodCorps-related projects and success stories through press engagements, blog writing, social media posts, newsletters, etc.
  • Collaborate with community partners to raise money to support local FoodCorps-related projects (when allowable).

Apply today!

Application deadline is March 27th.

Click here for more details.

foodcorp flyer 2023foodcorp flyer 2023

Deciding How Much to Make or Buy?

Save money and improve nutrition by deciding what to make and buy. Try buying in bulk, doubling recipes, using leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch/dinner or freezing leftovers for future meals!
 
Ahorre dinero   y mejore la nutrición al decidir qué hacer y comprar. Intente comprar al por mayor, duplicando recetas, usando las sobras para el almuerzo/cena de mañana o congelando las sobras para futuras comidas!

colorful measuring spoons and white textcolorful measuring spoons and white text