Nutrition and Food Science: Be Part of the Solution

Nutrition Extension Programs

Extension nutrition education programs encourage eating and exercise habits that are consistent with national nutrition policy recommendations designed to promote health and lower chronic disease risks. Many of the major chronic and degenerative diseases – including coronary heart disease, some cancers, diabetes, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis – all have a nutrition component. It is therefore important that consumers gain awareness about how diet is related to health and learn how to change behavior to lower their risk for these diseases. Based on current research findings consistent with mainstream scientific thinking, Extension programs focus on helping individuals become aware of chronic disease risk factors they can modify through changes in eating and exercise habits. For example, county educators provide practical information on reducing heart disease risk by emphasizing recipe and meal modifications to reduce saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium, while increasing dietary fiber and the healthy fats found in such foods as fish and canola oil.

Because the prevalence of obesity is increasing in Maryland, as it is throughout the country, Extension programs also focus on ways to help reduce obesity, especially among children. Programs delivered to parents, day care providers, and through the state's 4-H programs, Team Nutrition, and school lunch programs are designed to establish beneficial lifelong eating and exercise habits in children, and to promote a child's optimal growth and development. Such programs emphasize the importance of eating a well-balanced diet and regularly participating in enjoyable physical recreation. Extension educators collaborate with other institutions and agencies, such as the Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the State Department of Education, in their outreach efforts, particularly with respect to reducing obesity and encouraging the consumption of at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

Extension nutrition education programs are available to all segments of the state's population, but special efforts are made to reach residents at increased nutritional risk, such as limited income and food insecure individuals, senior citizens, women and infants participating in Maryland's Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) , and other women of childbearing age or who are pregnant. We also provide information on the benefits of breastfeeding and recommended infant feeding practices. In addition to personal contacts, Extension specialists and county educators disseminate information about nutrition through local newspapers, cable television outlets, and other media.

For more information, contact nfscinfo@umd.edu

Last updated: 09/13/2007