Home Economics
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.
ICAN - Ideas For Cooking and Nutrition
The Ideas for Cooking and Nutrition Program (ICAN) provides hands-on, needs-based education in the area of healthy food choices, food preparation, food safety and food resource management.
Adult ICAN participants attend a series of six to twelve classes. Classes are designed based on participants' needs, and focus on hands-on-learning. Participants learn how to select and make nutritious, tasty foods that are quick to prepare and that make the most of their food dollars and food benefits. Classes for youth, referred to as KidsCAN, consist of approximately four to six classes and also focus on practical skills and hands-on learning.
ICAN is the umbrella name used in New Mexico to refer to both the Expended Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP) and the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program (FSNE).
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.