Home Economics & ICAN (Ideas for Cooking and Nutrition)
Our county's Extension home economics program helps strengthen family life. In a rapidly changing world, the challenges facing individuals and families in our county are great. With A problem solving philosophy, we strive to develop programs to deal with complex issues facing local families. We are helping people build leadership and other skills. We teach through group training sessions and local programs and community projects. We are dedicated to solving community needs, concerns and issues.
Parenting and Child Development
The New Mexico Selected Health Statistics Report presents that the county birth rate equals 13.3 births per 1,000 population. The births to single mothers decreased by 1% while births to teen mothers increased by 1%. The reports also indicate that low birth weights births increased by 15% from last year. Santa Fe County is also below the state level for prenatal care. Past program evaluations reflect the valuing of and need for educational resources for providing quality childcare by county childcare providers. The Children , Youth And Family Department, Nutrition Bureau reports an estimated 7,100 childcare providers in Santa Fe County. Of those 3, 378 are licensed providers enrolled in the food program and 881 are registered home providers. Program evaluations also show a need for educational services for adult daycare providers and participants. The mentioned are indicators for strengthening the program needs of young families, single parents, childcare providers and adult daycare program providers and participants. All needing information on components of nutrition, safety , personal development and child development.
Consumer Information and Education
The Bureau of Business And Economic Research indicates that average wages and salary earnings (1996) for Santa Fe County equals $23,407 and Per Capita Personal Income (1996) totals $24,781. The U.S. Department of Labor also estimates and unemployment rate or 4.2%. The State Support Council cited lack of affordable housing and family financial management in the top 20 list of most important needs of families in the Northern District to include Santa Fe County. Santa Fe County real estate reports indicate that the average home ownership cost equals $160,000 making home ownership difficult for the consumer living on a limited budget. Market studies also indicate that food and clothing costs are comparably higher in Santa Fe County than in other areas of the state. Realizing the increasing cost of living in Santa Fe County makes it difficult for consumers on a limited and reduced income. Given the county situation it becomes necessary for the County Extension Service to provide educational assistance to serve as a vehicle for county participants and families to improve their financial status and assist in the establishment and attainability of financial goals.
Extension Food & Nutrition Education Program
The Bureau Of Business And Economic Research indicates that the annual average wage and salary earning for Santa Fe County equals $23,407. Realizing the cost of shelter, ,clothing and food, residents must learn to optimize their dollars. In learning to do this, it becomes necessary that they learn how to select, prepare and store foods considering nutrition, safety and cost. Money management is a critical tool for residents as they struggle with making ends meet. With the increasing occurrences of diabetes, heart diseases and obesity it becomes important that the EFNEP Division also focuses on teaching residents the importance of making healthy food choices, diet and exercise and disease prevention.