Family and Consumer Sciences

University of Idaho Extension, Family and Consumer Sciences professionals use research-based information to improve the quality of life for adults, children and families. Our key topics include food safety and nutrition, food preservation, healthy lifestyles and youth financial literacy. This information is provided through printed publications, in-person classes and presentations. If you’d like to schedule Deanna Poulsen as a guest speaker, reach out at 208-745-6685 or dpoulsen@uidaho.edu.

Food Safety and Preservation

UI Extension educators provide training for consumers about food safety and preservation. We offer hands-on classes, presentations at markets or preparedness fairs, and love to answer your questions with phone consultations. Our goal is to keep Idaho residents healthy by preventing food borne illness.

Compare our Food Safety and Preservation classes side by side.

Master Food Safety Advisor

Certify to be a Master Food Preserver through this in-person class that offers hands-on labs and discussion, gain understanding of scientific research supporting appropriate preservation methods. Participants volunteer to promote safe food handling and preservation throughout their communities through a variety of opportunities.

• Master Food Safety Advisor Program (PDF)
• Master Food Safety Advisor Application
• Compare this course to Preserve@Home (PDF)

For more information contact Deanna Poulsen, Eastern District MFSA program facilitator.

Preserve@Home

Web-based food preservation course where participants learn to produce high quality preserved foods and the science behind food preservation and food safety.

• Preserve@Home brochure (PDF)
• Compare this course to Master Food Safety Advisor (PDF)
• For more information, contact Laura Sant

Healthy Lifestyles

A variety of informative classes available for group presentations at your venue or at the Jefferson County Extension Office classrooms.

• Free pressure canning gauge testing (drop in or schedule during business hours).
• Menu planning with certain parameters in mind (time, nutrients, goals, methods).
• Financial education.
• Safe food preparation.
• Eat Smart Idaho
• Exercise and strength training for aging bodies.
• Careers in Family & Consumer Sciences.
• Managing homes and families.
• For more information, contact Deanna Poulsen.

Youth Financial Literacy

An interactive experience for high school students where they learn how to apply for and get a job, budgeting and understanding expenses, and simulate debt and large purchases. Typically, a 3-session experience, taught by UI Extension educators.

• Employment Feud (applications, interviews, and job success).
• Welcome to the Real World (budgeting, expenses, Needs/Wants).
• Night of the Living Debt (debt, interest, large purchases, loans).
• To schedule a session in your classroom, contact Deanna Poulsen.

Mealtime Inspirations

Offered near the holiday season at the end of autumn, participants learn several easy-to-prepare holiday recipes. UI Extension educators collaborate to present in various counties. Visit the Jefferson County Facebook page close to the holidays to learn more.

Stay in Touch

Subscribe to our newsletter to get program news.