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The Extension Institute of Human Development & Relationships provides the tools Wisconsinites need to thrive as well-rounded, capable individuals and families. Our programs promote aging-friendly communities, coach effective parents and help families put technology, mindfulness and financial awareness to use.

Financial Resources During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Financial resources continue to be available to those needing assistance during the pandemic. The Division of Extension has compiled many of these resources into the Financial Resources to Help Get Through COVID-19 website at https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/toughtimes/covid-19-financial-resources/. This website has information on state and federal programs including unemployment assistance, rental assistance, utility assistance, and many other resources […]

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Food Safety in the Time of COVID-19: Is our Food Supply Still Secure?

We have heard that the U.S. food supply is safe and secure during the coronavirus epidemic, but we’ve also heard that some farms have had to dispose of food items rather than send them to processing.  Is our food supply still secure? Dr. Frank Yiannis, deputy commissioner of FDA, indicates that there is plenty of food; it’s just […]

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COVID-19 Co-parenting Tips

The COVID-19 pandemic brings new challenges for parents who do not live in the same house.  During this time of increased anxiety and stress, it is important to work together to parent your children.  Here are a few tips from Dr. Maggie Kerr, State Specialist with UW-Madison, Division of Extension: 1. Communicate Talk with your […]

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Use Infant Formula Before It Expires

We encourage consumers to use ‘Best By’ dates on food and beverage packaging as a guide to decision-making, knowing that these dates are applied to food packages as indicators of quality, not safety.  Most food products are not even required to carry a ‘best by’ or ‘best if used by’ date.  The exception to this […]

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The Story of Your Dinner

It’s national Food Safety Education Month and National Family Meals Month.  A great way to start the school year off right is to remember that food safety is the foundation of a delicious family meal.  The Story of Your Dinner offers creative tools and messages to frame food safety throughout the chain of prevention — […]

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Back-to-School: Lesson #1

In time for Food Safety Education Month (September) and back-to-school, the USDA has issued back-to-school food safety tips focused on….hand washing.  Why is Lesson #1 Hand Washing?  According to Dr. Mindy Brashears, USDA Under-Secretary for Food Safety, USDA research has found that consumers fail to properly wash their hands 97% of the time.  “Washing hands is one […]

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Back-to-School Shopping on a Budget

Households with children in grade school and high school will spend almost $700 on back-to-school shopping this fall, according to the National Retail Federation.  Clothing, electronics, and school supplies are the top three expenses listed by families in the Federation’s annual July survey.  Households with a college student will spend closer to $1000 this year […]

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Why is Blanching Recommended when Freezing Vegetables?

A short heat process known as blanching is generally recommended before freezing of vegetables.  Some canning recipes also call for a short blanching, or heating, step prior to placing vegetables into the jar.  Blanching helps to stabilize the color, especially of peas and other green vegetables, and it protects flavor and texture.  Blanching also helps to cleanse […]

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UW-Extension: Check Your Free Credit Report to Build Financial Security

Federal law gives everyone the right to request three free credit reports each year—one each from the three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. There are three ways to order your free credit report: through the mail, by phone toll-free, or at the official website AnnualCreditReport.com. Extension’s “Check Your Free Credit Report: 2/2, 6/6, 10/10” […]

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Cutting Food Waste While Maintaining Food Safety by Barb Ingham

Cutting Food Waste While Maintaining Food Safety Published on April 15, 2019April 15, 2019 by Barb Ingham Food safety and food waste are both major concerns. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are about 48 million cases of foodborne illness annually – the equivalent of sickening 1 in 6 Americans […]

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