Analysis oftheValue ofFamily ConsumerSciencesExtension inthe

NorthCentralRegion

Preparedby:Battelle

505KingAvenue

Columbus,Ohio43201

Submittedto:

DirectorsofCooperativeExtension,NorthCentralRegion

June18,2015

Table ofContents

Executive Summary ...... ES-1

SectionI.Introduction...... 1

SectionII.Food,NutritionHealth...... 12

A.HealthyEating, PhysicalActivity& HealthyLifestyles...... 13

B.Food Security...... 27

C.Food Safety...... 34

D.ChronicDiseasePrevention& Management...... 37

E.HealthLiteracyHealthInsuranceLiteracy...... 43

SectionIII.FamilyHumanDevelopment...... 52

A.ChildDevelopment...... 52

B.EarlyChildhoodEducation...... 56

C.ParentEducation...... 60

D.Relationships FamilyDynamics...... 63

E.AdultDevelopmentAging...... 67

SectionIV.FamilyResourceManagement...... 75

A.FinancialLiteracy...... 76

B.AdvancedFinancial Management...... 80

Section V. Funding of FCSExtension...... 85

Appendices...... 96

AppendixA: NorthCentralRegionLand-GrantUniversities,ExtensionUnitsFCSUnits...... 96

AppendixB:TimelineintheEvolutionofFamilyConsumerSciencesinLand-GrantUniversities..97

AppendixC:Peer-ReviewedResearchbyNorthCentralRegionFCSExtensionFaculty...... 98

ThisreportwassponsoredbyCooperativeExtensionat:

UniversityofIllinoisPurdueUniversityIowaStateUniversity

KansasStateUniversityMichiganStateUniversityUniversityofMinnesotaUniversityofMissouriUniversityofNebraska-LincolnNorthDakotaStateUniversityTheOhioStateUniversity

SouthDakotaStateUniversityUniversityofWisconsinSystem

SpecialthanksareowedtotheteamofFamilyConsumer SciencesExtensionprofessionalsintheNorthCentralRegionwhoworkedwithBattelleonthisreport.Thecommittee,consistingofprogramleadersKarenBruns,DebGebeke,andPaulaPeters,spentcountlesshoursguidingtheeffort.Inaddition,programleaders(oractingprogramleaders)atallofthememberuniversities gatheredandinterpretedlargeamountsofinformationconcerningtheirprogramming,budgets,organizationalstructure,andmore.Theyare:AngieAbbott,

LindaBoeckner,LaurieBoyce,JoBritt-Rankin,DawnContreras,JenniferMcCaffrey,TrishOlson,DebSellers,andSuzanneStluka.

BattellewouldalsoliketothankRobinShepard,ExecutiveDirectorfortheNorthCentralCooperativeExtensionAssociation,andTonyZech,thestateagencySNAP-EdliaisonfortheStateofWisconsin,fortheirinsightsandroleingatheringinformationforuseinthisreport.

ListofTables

Table 1: TheDomainsof FamilyPractice,adaptedtoFamily& Consumer SciencesExtensionsubjectmatter....5

Table 2: NorthCentralRegionExtensionandFamilyConsumerSciencesunittitles...... 9

Table 3: Keycharacteristics of the EFNEP andSNAP-Ed programsnationally,2012...... 18

Table 4: SNAP-Edcostand reach –Extensionandotherproviders nationally,2010,...... 19

Table 5: KeyOutcomesasaresult of Extension-providedSNAP-Ed and EFNEP,...... 20

Table 6: Estimatedfinancialimpact ofEFNEP educationinthe NorthCentralRegion,2014...... 21

Table 7: Examples of valuable FCSExtensionprogramsinnutrition...... 23

Table 8: Examples of valuable FCS Extensionprogramsinphysicalactivity andhealthylifestyles...... 27

Table 9: Examples of valuable FCS Extensionprogramsinfoodsecurity andlocalfoodsystems...... 34

Table 10: Examples of valuable FCS Extensionprogramsinfoodsafety...... 37

Table 11: Examples of valuable FCS Extensionprogramsinchronic disease preventionandmanagement...... 43

Table 12: Examples of valuable FCS Extensionprogramsinhealth literacyandhealthinsuranceliteracy...... 46

Table 13: SurveyresponsesfromprovidersonkeychildcarestrategiesfromRockSolidFoundations...... 55

Table 14: Examples of valuable FCS Extensionprogramsinchilddevelopment...... 56

Table15: Examples of valuable FCS Extensionprogramsinearlychildhoodeducation...... 60

Table 16: Examples of valuable FCSExtensionprogramsinparenting...... 62

Table 17: Examples of valuable FCS Extensionprogramsinrelationshipsandfamilydynamics...... 66

Table 18: Examples of valuable FCS Extensionprogramsinadultdevelopmentandaging...... 71

Table 19: Examples of valuable FCS Extensionprogramsinfinancialliteracy...... 80

Table 20: Examples of valuable FCS Extensionprogramsinadvancedfinancialmanagement...... 83

Table 21:FCS Extensionfunding bysource inthe NorthCentralRegion,2014...... 86

Table 22: EFNEP andSNAP-Ed fundingin theNorthCentralRegion,2014...... 91

ListofFigures

Figure1: HumanEcologicalSystemTheoryasthebasisforFamilyConsumerSciencesExtensioneducation...4

Figure2: Householdfoodinsecurity andunemploymentin the U.S., 2000–2012...... 28

Figure3: Directface-to-facecontactsacrosstheregionbysubjectarea,2014...... 49

Figure4: U.S.personalsavingsrate,1960–2014...... 75

Figure5: Trends in U.S.poverty,1960–2013...... 75

Figure6: FCS Extensionfundingbysourcein theNorthCentralRegion,2014...... 86

Figure7: Smith-Leverfundingnationally,2002–2014...... 87

Figure8: SNAP-Edfundingnationally,2004–2014...... 92

Figure9: SNAP-EdfundingandSNAP-participatinghouseholdsnationally,2004–2013...... 92

Figure10: Annual SNAP-Ed fundingper SNAP-participatinghouseholdnationally, 2004–2013...... 93

Figure11: EFNEPfundingandparticipantsnationally,2006–2014...... 94

ExecutiveSummary

WhiletheUnitedStatesprovidesitspeoplewithmanyopportunities,andrepresentsthelargestandmostdiverseeconomyamongnations,thereisnohidingthefactthatitisalsoacountrywheretensofmillions

ofresidentsfacesignificantproblemsandchallenges.Over45millionAmericanspresentlyliveinpoverty,andU.S.lifeexpectancyisjust42ndamongallnations.Almost79millionAmericansareobese,andmorethan117millionresidentshave oneormorechronichealthconditions.Over87millioninthenationareworriedabouthavingenoughmoneyeachmonthtopaytheirregularmonthlybills,and17.6

millionU.S.householdsarefoodinsecure.Wehavethehighestincarcerationrateofanynation,and,ifpresentedwiththisreport,morethan32millionadultAmericanswouldbeunabletoreaditbecausetheyareilliterate.1 Wecan,andshould,dobetter.

IntheU.S.,theacademicdisciplinethatfocusesonaholisticapproachforthedevelopmentoffact-based,research-driveneducationalprogramstoimprovewell-beingisFamilyConsumerSciences.

ThisreportprovidesanoverviewoftheprimarydisciplinarycontentwithinFamilyConsumerSciences,anddescribestheimpactthiscontenthasthroughthedeliveryofeducationalprogrammingviatheworkofCooperativeExtensionintheNorthCentralRegion.Italsodiscusses

thoseaspectsofFamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionthatmakeitparticularlyeffective,andthatdifferentiateitfromotherorganizationsworkingtoimprovethenation’shealthandwell-being.Keyfindings,challenges,andopportunitiesarefeatured,andselectedindividualprogrammingimpactshighlighted.

Whiletraditionalfacultymembersteachoncampustoundergraduateandgraduatestudents,Extensionfacultydevelopprogrammingforthepublic,preparecountyorregionalstafftodelivereducationalprogramsacrossthestate,andinsomestatesdeliverprogrammingthemselves.Asonedirectorsaid,“Thestateisourcampus”.TheconnectiontothedepartmentsoncampusiskeytoExtension’smissionofprovidingresearch-basededucation.Thus,Extensioncombinestheacademicpowerofcampus-basedresearcherswitharobuststate-widedeliverysystem.

Overview

Extensionfacultyinland-grantuniversityFamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionareengagedinfrontlineresearchandeducation focusedonhelpingindividuals,families,andcommunitiesreachtheirfullpotential.

FamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionisahighlypragmaticandproactivedisciplinefocusedontangibleresults,withanactivefocusonnutrition,physicalactivity,healthandwell-being,humandevelopment,andpersonalfinancialmanagement.

1U.S. Census Bureau, Bank, CDC,Adult ObesityFacts, CDC,Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion, Gallup poll, USDAERS, U.S. Departmentof Education,National Instituteof Literacy, 2013

WhileFamilyConsumerSciencescantraceitsrootsbacktothe1800’s,thedisciplineisascontemporaryandrelevantnowasithaseverbeen.ThemoderndisciplineofFamilyConsumerSciencescoversmanyareasthathavebeenpartofthefieldsinceitsinception,andotherswhichreflectthegrowingrecognitionoftheimportanceofsocialandeconomicissuestothewell-beingofindividuals,families,andcommunities.Theareasdiscussedinthisreport

include:

  • Food,NutritionHealth
  • FamilyHumanDevelopment
  • FamilyResourceManagement

TheAmericanAssociationofFamilyConsumerSciencesdefinesFamilyConsumerSciencesmorebroadly,toalsoinclude

ConsumerIssues,HousingInteriorDesign,andTextilesApparel.2 However,itisnotpossibletosupportalloftheseareaswiththeavailablefunding,andthereforeFamilyConsumer

SciencesExtensionintheregion,andacrossthecountry,hasfocuseditsresourcesintothethreemajorareasoutlinedabove.

AmajorityoftheactivityinFamilyConsumerSciencesExtensiondependsonpublicfunds—fromfederal,state,andlocalgovernmentalagencies—forsupport.Giventhisrelianceonpublicfunds,theleadershipofFamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionprogramsacrosstheNorthCentralRegiondeemeditimportanttocommissionanindependentevaluationofthediscipline withintheregion,itsrelevancetocontemporarychallenges,andtheimpactsbeingachieved.Withgovernmentneedingtoprioritizeitsdistributionofscarceresources,itisparticularlyimportantthatkeypolicymakersanddecisioninfluencershavetheinformationtheyneedtomakeinformeddecisions.Battelle,theworld’slargestindependentnon-profitresearchorganization,wasretainedbyCooperativeExtensionattheland-grantuniversitiesintheNorthCentralRegiontoconductthisassessment.TheseuniversitiesareUniversityofIllinois,PurdueUniversity,IowaStateUniversity,KansasStateUniversity,MichiganStateUniversity,UniversityofMinnesota,UniversityofMissouri,UniversityofNebraska-Lincoln,NorthDakotaStateUniversity,TheOhioStateUniversity,SouthDakotaStateUniversity,andUniversityofWisconsinSystem.

Eachstateintheregionhasitsownuniquetitle foritsExtensionactivities,andforitsFamilyConsumerSciencesunit.Forsimplicity, withinthisreporteachstate’sExtensionunitwillbereferredtoas“Extension”,andeachunitthatdeliversprogramminginthisareawillbereferredtoasFamilyConsumerSciences.AppendixAshowsthetitlesusedateachuniversity.

2 American Associationof Family Consumer Sciences,“What is FCS?”, Consumer Sciences.org/AboutUs/FCS.asp

FamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionusestheHumanEcologicalSystemTheory3(FigureES-1)asthetheoreticalbasisofitswork—atheorythatexplicitlyrecognizesthatindividualsdevelopwithinthecontextsoffamily,communities,andsociety,andthattheirdevelopmentaloutcomesareinfluencedthroughinteractionswiththesevariouscontexts.ThisparadigmisreflectedintherecentexpansionofFamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionactivitiesfrombasiceducationalprogrammingdirectedatindividualsandfamilies,tothecreationandsupportofinfrastructurewithincommunitiestosupporthealthyliving.Inthiscontext,theword“infrastructure”doesnotrefertophysicalstructures,butrathertotheunderlyingframework —includingtheresources,trainedpersonnel,processes,andmindset—neededatacommunityleveltosupporthealthyliving.Atthehighestlevelinthehumanecologicalsystem,FamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionisinvolvedinpolicyeffortstohelpcreateanenvironmentinwhichhealthylivingistheacceptedsocietalnorm.

Figure ES-1:The Family& Consumer SciencesHumanEcologicalSystemTheory4

FamilyConsumerSciencesExtensioncrossesalllevelsofthehumanecologicalsystem andthelifespan,andhasasignificantinterfacewiththeother areaswithinExtensionatland-grantuniversities:AgricultureandNaturalResources,CommunityDevelopment,and4-HYouthDevelopment.

ProfessionalsineachofthedifferentareasofExtensionworksynergisticallytodevelopanddeliverprogrammingacrosssubjectareasandaudiences.

Extensiondiffersfromsocialserviceorganizationsinthat ittargetspreventioneducationbeforesignificantproblemsariseorjustasdifficultiesemerge,whilesocialserviceorganizationstypicallyprovideinterventionservicestothosewhohavebeenclearlyidentifiedashavingthatneed.Preventingproblemsbeforetheyhappen,througheducation,ismoreeffectiveandmoreeconomicalthan interventionorremediationafterunhealthybehaviorshavebecomeentrenched.

DoingjusticetoafieldasdiverseasFamilyConsumerSciencesisnoeasytask,andthereaderisencouragedtoconsultthefullreportinordertogaina thoroughintroductiontothecontentofthediscipline.Eachsectioninthereportnotonlydescribeskeydisciplinaryfocusareas,butalsoprovides

3Myers-Walls J,Ballard S, DarlingS,and Myers-Bowman K, 2011. “Reconceptualizingthedomain and boundaries of Family LifeEducation”

FamilyRelations:InterdisciplinaryJournal of Applied FamilyStudies, 60, pp.347-372.

4BronfenbrennerU, 1979, “The Ecology of Human Development:Experiments byNature and Design”,Cambridge,MA:Harvard UniversityPress,(ISBN 0-674-22457-4)

examplesandcasestudiesofNorthCentralRegionFamilyConsumerSciencesExtensioninaddressingassociatedneeds.

Programing andImpacts in Food, Nutrition & Health

Food,NutritionHealthisthepowerhouseofFamilyConsumerSciencesExtension,and accountsfornearly90%oftheindividualswhoarereachedthroughitseducationalprogramsacrosstheNorthCentralRegion.TheprincipalcontentofthisdomainisillustratedinFigureES-2,showingthesixhigh-levelthematicareasofworkandkeyexamplesofcontentfallingunderthesethemes.

Figure ES-2:Principalareasof activityin Food, NutritionHealth

FamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionworkstounderstandthekeysocialandbehavioralfactorsthatimpacthealth,andtogivechildren, youth,andadultsskillsthatcontributetobetterhealthacrossthelifespan.Italsoworkstoidentifythecommunityandsocietalfactorsthatfacilitateorinhibithealthynutritionandlifestylechoices,andaddressthesethroughprogramstargetedatbehaviorinfluencers,throughestablishinginfrastructurethatwilladvancehealthyliving,andbyworkingatthepolicyleveltohelpbringaboutbroadchangestopromoteahealthiersociety.Inthisregard,ExtensionprofessionalsinFood,NutritionHealthworkonmajorquestionsandissuessuchas:

  • Whataretheunderlyingcausesofunhealthydietdecisions?
  • Whattoolsandinformationdopeopleneedtohelpthemmakehealthynutritiondecisions?
  • Howcanchildrenbeencouragedtodevelophealthyeatingandphysicalactivitypatternsthatwillpersistacrosstheirlifespan?
  • Whatdorecipientsoffoodassistanceprogramsneedinorderforthemtomakewisefoodpurchasedecisionsandstretchtheirfooddollars?
  • Whattechniquescanfoodsuppliers,handlers,andconsumersusetoreducetherisk offoodborneillness?
  • Whatactionsshouldindividualstaketoavoidthedevelopmentofpreventablechronicdiseasesandtheassociatedphysicalandcostburdens?
  • Howcanpublicpolicyimpactaccesstohealthyfoodandimprovefoodsecurity?
  • HowcanfamiliesandindividualsbestnavigatethecomplexAmericanhealthcaresystemandbestmakeuseofitsresourcestooptimizetheirhealth?

FamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionhasalonghistoryofhelpingfamiliesmakehealthynutritionalchoices.Inthelate1960’s,aspartofanationalfocusonpoverty,ExtensiondevelopedtheExpandedFoodandNutritionEducationProgram(EFNEP),whichisstilldeliveredsolelybyExtensiontoday.Thisfederallyfundedprogramisintenseinitsdurationandcontent,andintherequiredcommitmentofitsparticipants.ThelargestprogramthroughwhichExtensionprovidesnutritioneducationisSupplementalNutritionAssistanceProgramEducation(SNAP-Ed),alsofundedbythefederalgovernment.SNAP-Ed,thegovernment’slargestnutritioneducationprogram,istargetedatindividualsandfamilieswhoareeligibleforfoodassistancebenefitsthroughSNAP,andisprovidedinavarietyofformats.SNAP-Edisdeliveredbymultipleprovidersacrossthenation,ofwhichFamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionisthelargest,reachingmoreSNAP-eligiblefamiliesthanallotherSNAP-Edproviderscombined.

Throughthecornerstoneprogramsof SNAP-EdandEFNEP,andotherprogramsinnutrition,itislikelythatFamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionreachesmorepeoplewithnutrition educationthananyothersourceinthenation.

In2010,SNAP-EdthatwasdeliveredthroughExtensionusedfewerfederaldollarsperparticipantthanthatdeliveredthroughotherproviders.This wasanaverage,andwasnotnecessarilythecaseforspecificproviders.ThereareoftenimportantaspectsofSNAP-Eddeliverythatunderliethesefigures,suchasthechallengingnature,andassociatedhighercosts,ofreachingparticularconstituencieswithnutritioneducation.Inaddition,therearemultiplefactorsotherthancostthatdeterminethevalueofanySNAP- Edprogram,andotherprovidersmayhavebetteraccesstocertainaudiences,orplayessentialrolesinmaintainingandestablishingimportantrelationshipswithkeycommunityplayers.TableES-1showsSNAP-EddeliverymetricsforallSNAP-Edproviders,andbreaksoutExtensionprovidersfromallothers in2010,thelastyearforwhichsuchabreakdownisavailable.5,6

TableES-1SNAP-Ed costand reach–Extensionandotherprovidersnationally, 2010

Extension / OtherProviders / Overall
#ofparticipants / 4.5million (74%) / 1.5 million (26%) / 6.0 million
Federalfundinglevel / $161million (43%) / $214million (57%) / $375million
Federalcostper participant / $36perperson / $142perperson / $63perperson

Source:FY2010:A retrospective review (Note: Thedata inthis table arefrom2010.The fundingformula for SNAP-Edwasmodifiedimmediately after 2010 data were gathered,and a currentanalysis may produce differentfigures.)

5Sexton J, 2013, “Supplementalnutrition assistance program-education (SNAP-Ed) through theland-grant university systemfor FY 2010: Aretrospective review”,Starkville,MS,

6ChipmanH,2013,“Lessons Learned fromFederalPrograms”,presentation atInstitute of Medicine Workshop,National Nutrition EducationCurriculumStandards,3/11/13,

Beingcost-effectiveineducationalprogramdeliveryisnotjustamatterofthenumberofparticipantsandthecostofprovidingtheeducation;itisalsocrucialtotakeintoaccountwhetherornottheexpendituresandprogrammingarehavingthedesiredeffect.EvidencefromlongitudinalevaluationsshowsthepositiveimpactonindividualbehaviorofSNAP-EdandEFNEPprogramming(TableES-2).DuetoEFNEP’sintenseformat,ithasahighercostperparticipantthanSNAP-Ed,buthasalsobeenshowntobemoreeffectiveinpositivelyaffectingbehavior.

Table ES-2:Keyoutcomes as a resultof Extension-providedSNAP-Ed and EFNEP7,8

ImpactArea / Areasincluded: / % of ParticipantsReportingPositiveChangeinBehavior
SNAP-Ed / EFNEP
Nutrition / Eatingfruitsandvegetables,eatingbreakfast,gettingclosertoUSDAMyPlateguidelines / 40-50% / 90%
FoodResourceManagement / Budgeting,priceshopping,home-cooking / 31-78% / 84%
FoodSafety / Hand-washing,safefoodtemperatures,kitchencleanliness / 48-77% / 65%
PhysicalActivity / Engagementinregularphysicalactivity / 38-62% / 39%

Sources:SNAP-EdRetrospective2010,NIFA

Inadditiontoimprovingthenutritionalchoicesofitsparticipants,theseprogramshavebeenshowntohavepositiveeconomicimpacts.Researchhasfoundthatevery$1spentonEFNEPresultsinsavingsinfoodexpendituresof$2.48throughsmartershoppingbehavior,bettermealplanning,enhanceduseoflow-costrecipes,andmorehome-cookedmeals.9 Otherresearchfoundthatthepotentiallong-termhealthcarecostsavingsassociatedwithEFNEPprogrammingfellintherange

of$3.62to$12.50insavingsper$1spent,asaresultofhealthierdietsandreducedchronic

disease.10Itisestimatedthatthelong-termcostsavingstotheNorthCentralRegion

Keyfinding:FamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionprogrammingresultsinsubstantialeconomicreturnstothenation.

resultingfrom2014participationinEFNEPtobe$86–$185million,ataprogramcostof

$14millioninfederalfunding.In2014,almost63,000individualsparticipatedinEFNEPacrosstheregion.

7Sexton J, 2013, “Supplementalnutrition assistance program-education (SNAP-Ed) through theland-grant university systemfor FY2010: Aretrospective review”,Starkville,MS,

8National Institute of Food and Agriculture, 2013, “2013 Impacts: TheExpanded Food and Nutrition Education Program”,

9Burney Jand Haughton B, 2002, “EFNEP:nutrition education programthat demonstratescost-benefit”,Journalof theAmerican DieteticAssociation, 2002. 102: 39-4

10Dollahite J,Kenkel D,Thompson C, 2008, “An economic evaluation of the expanded food and nutrition education program”,Journal ofNutrition Educationand Behavior40 (3), 134-143;Joy A,Pradhan V, Goldman G, 2006, “Cost-benefit analysisconducted for nutritioneducationin California”,California Agriculture60(4):185-191,DOI:10.3733/ca.v060n04p185; Rajgopal R,CoxR,LamburM,Lewis E, 2002, “Cost-BenefitAnalysis IndicatesthePositive Economic Benefits oftheExpanded Food and NutritionEducation ProgramRelated to Chronic DiseasePrevention”,Journal ofNutrition Education and Behavior34(1), 26-37;Schuster E,Zimmerman Z,Engle M,Smiley J,SyversenE, MurrayJ, 2002“Investingin Oregon's Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program(EFNEP):DocumentingCosts and Benefits”,Journal of NutritionEducationandBehavior, 35 (4),200–206 ;WessmanC,BetterleyC,and Jensen H, 2001, “An Evaluation of theCosts and Benefitsof Iowa’sExpanded Food and Nutrition Education Program(EFNEP)”,Staff Report 01-SR93,Center for Agriculturaland RuralDevelopment,IowaStateUniversity

SNAP-Edisasignificantlylargerprogram,andhad728,000participantsintheregionin2014.CostsavingsarisingoutofSNAP-Edparticipationhavenotbeenevaluated,butifitssavingsper$1spentreachedevenhalfthelevelofthemostconservativescenarioforEFNEP,itwouldresultinlong-termcostssavingstotheregion of$185millioneachyear,basedontheprogramcostof$61millionin2014.

Discussionsatthenationallevelaboutreducingfundingfortheseprogramsmaybeshort-sighted.FailingtoprovidenutritioneducationtoAmerica’smostvulnerablefamilieswillnotonlyresultinincreasedhealthcareandfoodcostsforthem,butwillaggravatethefoodinsecuritywhichaffectsover49millionpeopleinthisnation,andperpetuatethecycleofpovertythatresultswhenchildrenaretooundernourishedormalnourishedtolearn.

Thelong-termcost-benefitevaluationsthathavebeendoneforFamilyConsumerSciencesprogramsindicatethattheinvestmentinFamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionpaysforitself —thatis,thereturnstothenationintermsofreducedlong-termcostsandincreasedproductivityaregreaterthantheentirepublicandprivateinvestment.Ifresourceswereavailableforthistypeofevaluationformoreprograms,itislikelythat itwouldshowthatFamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionprogrammingpaysforitselfmanytimesover.

Foodsecurityisanimportantandpersistentsocietalproblem,andFamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionworksonmultiplefrontstohelpensurethatpeoplehaveaccesstoenoughfoodforanactive,healthylife.FCSprogramminggivesfamiliesthetoolstopurchaseandpreparefoodona

limitedbudget,andimprovestheiraccesstohealthyfoodsbyincreasingtheavailabilityoffarmersmarkets,theFarmtoSchoolprogram,theSchoolBreakfastProgram,andschoolandcommunitygardens.Theseprogramscreateaninfrastructurethatimprovesaccesstosufficient,healthyfoodforlow-incomepopulations,andsupportsthelocalagriculturaleconomy.FamilyConsumerSciences

ExtensionworkscloselywithAgricultureand

NaturalResourcesExtensioninbuilding

Keyfinding:FamilyConsumerSciences

Extensionmakesapositivedifferenceatthecommunitylevelbyputtingintoplaceinfrastructurethatfacilitatespositivebehaviors,andhelpsshapepolicyatthelocal,state,andnationallevels.

partnershipswithlocalproducerstomaketheseprogramsavailableandeffective,andalsogetsinvolvedatthepolicyleveltohelptoeliminatefooddeserts,abarriertohealthyfoodaccessinbothruralandurbancommunities.

Anotherkeyareaofprogrammingpertainstochronicdiseasepreventionandmanagement.Throughprogramstohelpreducepersonalchronicdiseaserisk,managediabetesthroughlifestylechanges,preventheartdiseaseandotherchronicillness,andmanagechronicpain,amongmanyotherareas,FamilyConsumerSciencesempowerspeoplewiththetoolstheyneedtoreducetheincidenceofpreventableillness,andbettermanagethechronicconditionstheyalreadyhave.Sevenoftheregion’stwelveFamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionprograms,forexample,offertheChronicDiseaseSelf-ManagementProgram,awell-provenprogramdevelopedatStanfordthatprovides individualswithskillsandcopingstrategiestomanagetheir

Keyfinding:FamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionutilizesresourcesandnetworkstosourcethemosteffectiveeducationalmaterialsavailable,regardlessofwheretheyweredeveloped.

conditions.Evaluationsofthisprogramhaveindicatedthatforevery$1spenton

theprogram,approximately$4inhealthcareexpendituresaresaved.11

Inadditiontoencouraginghealthyfoodandphysicalactivitydecisionmaking,Family

ConsumerSciencesExtensionisalsoonthefrontlinesinworkingtopreventfoodborneillnesses.EachyeartheCDCestimatesthat48millionAmericansgetsick,128,000arehospitalized,and3,000individualsdiefrom foodborneillnesses.Muchofthetollonhumanlife,togetherwiththeestimated$152

billioninassociatedhealthcarecostsand

Keyfinding:FamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionpartnerswithotheragenciesandnon-profitstoleverageresourcesandreachpeopleaseffectivelyaspossible.

economiclossesannually,canbeavoidedbyconsumersbeingtaughtsafefoodhandlingandpreparationtechniques,andthroughthetrainingandcertificationofcommercialandinstitutionalfoodhandlersinproperfoodsafetyprocedures.Throughpartnershipwith

theNationalRestaurantAssociation,FamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionintheNorthCentralRegioneducatedmorethan6,000commercialfoodhandlersandkitchenhandlersthroughServSafe®in2014,makingliterallythousandsoffoodoutletsintheregionsaferforconsumers.

FamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionprofessionalsacrosstheregionandthenationcollaboratewithoneanotherinresearchingsolutionstofood,nutrition,andhealthchallenges,andsharebestpracticefindingsandprogramming.WithintheNorthCentralRegion,therehasbeenextensivecollaborationon

nutritionresearchprojects,andtheregionhasreceivednumerousmulti-stategrantsfromthe

Keyfinding:Withintheregion,FamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionhasdevelopedastrongethicofresearchcollaboration,andhasleverageditscombinedresearchcapabilitiestosuccessfullyadvancemulti-stategrantproposalsforAFRIandotherfunders.

USDAAgricultureandFoodResearchInitiative(AFRI),theresearchfundingarmofNationalInstituteofFoodandAgriculture.

Researchisdrivenbyneedsidentifiedinlocalcommunities,andmanyoftheseneedsarewidespreadandcommontomanyareas,asarethesolutions.

Programing andImpacts in FamilyHumanDevelopment

FamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionworkstounderstandfamilyandhumandevelopmentchallenges,andtodevelopeducationalcontentandprogrammingdesignedtoassistindividuals,families,andcommunitiestoengageinproductivepersonalandsocialbehavior.Workingacrossthelifespan,programminginFamilyHumanDevelopmentcoversaspectrum,fromprenatalchoicesforat-riskexpectantmothers,criticalearlychildhooddevelopment,parentingskills,adultrelationships,andfamilydynamics,andontoagingandend-of-lifeissues.Acrossthiscontinuum,Extensionengagesinprogrammingforindividuals,aswellasthefamilies,familyservingagencies,andcommunitiesthatsurroundandsupportthem.FigureES-3showsthefivehigh-levelthematicareasofworkinthisdomain,andkeyexamplesofcontentfallingunderthesethemes.

11Stanford Schoolof Medicine,

Figure ES-3:Principalareasof activityin Family& Human Development

UsingresearchtoimprovedevelopmentandrelationshipsacrossthelifespanisExtension’scentralrolewithinFamilyHumanDevelopment,andExtensionprofessionalsinthisareaworkonmajorquestionsandissuessuchas:

  • Whattoolsdoexpectantmothersneedinordertomakehealthynutritiondecisions?
  • Whatroledoesearlycareandeducationplayinsuccessinlaterstagesoflife?
  • Whatarethemosteffectivetoolsandprogramsforuseinearlycareandeducation,andhowcantheybecustomizedtospecificcommunityandfamilyneeds?
  • Howdoesparentingstyleinfluenceachild’sdevelopment,andhowcanpositiveparentingbeencouraged?
  • Whatroledochildcareprovidersplayinachild’sdevelopment,andwhatisthebestwayofmakingthempartnersinhealthychilddevelopment?
  • Whatprogrammingisneededforaudienceswithadditionalchallenges,suchasgrandparentsraisingtheirgrandchildren,singleparents,stepparents,militaryfamilies,etc.?
  • Howcanindividualsandfamiliesmaintainhealthyrelationshipsandavoiddestructivebehavior?
  • Whataretheuniqueneedsandeducationalprogrammingrequirementsassociatedwitholderadultsandthoseengagedintheircare?

Preventiveprogramsthatchangebehaviorsandreducenegativeoutcomescanhaveprofoundimpactsandcostsavingsforsociety.Forexample,FamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionprogramstargetingpregnantteensatriskforlowbirth-weightbabieshavebeenfoundtobesuccessfulinencouraging

expectantmotherstomakehealthierfoodchoicesandmaintainahealthypregnancy

Keyfinding:FamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionfocusesoneducationandprevention,whichisakeydifferentiatingfactorbetweenitandsocialservicesagencies.

weight—bothofwhichcandirectlyreducetheincidenceoflowbirth-weightbabies.Ifsuchprogramscouldreducetheincidenceoflowbirth-weightbabiesacrossthenationbyjust5percent,researchindicatesthat initialhospitalizationstaysavingswouldexceed

$278millionannually.12

FamilyConsumerSciencesdoesnotprovideearlychildhoodeducation,butratherworkswiththosewhodo,toensurethatchildrenhavethebestpossiblelearningenvironments,experiences,andrelationshipsinwhichtogrowandlearn.TheextenttowhichExtensionprogramscaninfluencebehaviorinapositivedirectionisillustratedbyRockSolidFoundations,aprogramtoeducatechildcareprofessionalsincreatingenvironmentsthatwillenrichchildren’ssocialandemotionaldevelopment.

Offeredinmanystatesacrossthenation,thisprogramwasdevelopedattheUniversityofNebraskabasedonanearlierprogramfromtheCenterontheSocialEmotionalFoundationsforEarlyLearning.

Morethan2,600childcareprofessionalsacrossthenationhavebeenthroughthe

Keyfinding:FamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionutilizesextensivetrain-the-trainerworktomultiplytheimpactofitseducationalefforts.

coursesince2011.Resultsfromfollow-upevaluationsshowedsignificantpositivebehaviorchangeamongparticipatingchildcareproviders,affectingtensofthousandsofchildren.

Inthearenasofearlychildhooddevelopmentandeducation,Extensionprovidesabroadrangeofprogrammingcoveringthemesthatincludeschoolreadiness,earlyliteracyskills,andthedevelopmentofsocialandemotionalskills.Themajorityofthisprogrammingtargetsparentsandcaregiversofpreschoolchildren,sincetheyserveasprimaryrolemodelsforchildrenandmost

influencetheenvironmentinwhichchildrengrowandlearn.Programmingineffectiveparentingpracticesisalsoanimportantfocus,andbecauseoftheirtrackrecordinofferingeffective,provenparenteducation,FamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionisfrequentlytheresourcethatcourtsandstateagenciesturntofordeliveringprogrammingtoparentswhohavebeenidentifiedasneedingmoresupportandeducation.TheBrookingInstitutioncalculatedthattheeffectof improvingtheparentingskillsofparentswiththepoorestskillstotheaveragelevel wouldleadto9percent

moreoftheirchildrennationallygraduatingfromhighschool,and3percentfeweroftheirchildrenfacingacriminalconvictionbytheageof19.13

12Agency for HealthcareResearchandQuality, 2013, “HospitalStays for Newborns, 2011”,Healthcare Cost andUtilization Project,

13Reeves R and Howard K,2013, “TheParentingGap”, TheBrookings Institution,Center on Children Families,

FamilyHumanDevelopmentalsoincludesprogramstostrengthenfamiliesbyhelpingpeopledevelopskillsincommunicationandcompromise,andgivingbothparentsandchildrentoolstohelpthembetterhandledifficultdevelopmentalissues.FamilyConsumerSciencesworkswithfamiliestohelpallmembersbettercopewithchallenges—suchasaparent’schronicillness,unemployment,substanceabuse,orincarceration—andhelpsfamiliesnavigatetheimpactsoffamilytransitionssuchas

separation,divorce,deployment,stepfamilies,andincarceration.Failuretoaddresstheseissuesastheyarisecanincreasetheincidenceofdevelopmentalandbehavioralissuesforthechildren.14

TheagingofthepopulationhasthepotentialtobecomeamajorburdenontheU.S.healthcaresystem.ItisastrategicpriorityfortheUnitedStatestoimprovethehealthofolderadults,tofulfillthedemandforcaringandcompetentcaregivers,andtoenableolderadultstoliveindependentlyintheirownhomeslonger.FamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionworkswithbotholderadultsandthefamily,social,andcommunitynetworksthatsurroundthem,withprogrammingthatrangesfromretirementplanning,tosustaininggoodhealththroughnutritionandphysicalactivity,toevaluatingoptionsforfuturelivingarrangementsintheeventofphysical/mentaldecline,toworkingoutinheritanceplansandsuccessionplanningforfamilyfarms.

Keychallenge:Insufficientresourcesareavailabletoconductcomprehensiveevaluationsforthemajorityofprograms,limitingthedisseminationofFCSimpacts.

Longitudinaltrackingstudiesarethegoldstandardformeasuringtheeffectivenessofinitiativesandprogramming.Suchstudieshaveshownthatthepayofftosocietyfrominvestmentsinhumandevelopmentinitiativesandprogrammingcanbeconsiderable.Thetwoexamplesbelowservetoillustratethe

kindsofpositivebenefitsthatcanbeengenderedthroughcarefulresearchonunderlyingneeds,andresearchanddevelopmentforbestpracticeprograms:

  • Inonelong-termstudyofahigh-qualitypreschoolprogram,15resultsdemonstratedsocietalsavings(realizedinareassuchasreducedfederalassistanceorcriminaljusticecosts)andsocietalbenefits(suchashighertaxespaidthroughincreasedearningsachievement)totaling$12.90forevery$1spentontheprogram.Positiveimpactsfromthatcontrolledstudyofparticipantsarestillshowingupmorethan35yearslater,andthestudyisstillongoing,showingthatthebenefitsofhighqualityearlychildhoodeducationlastalifetime.
  • AmajorprogramdevelopedatIowaStateUniversity,theStrengtheningFamiliesProgram:ForParentsandYouth10-14,whichworkstochangebehaviorsassociatedwithdestructiveactionssuchasalcoholandsubstanceabuse,hasbeenshownthrough acost-benefitanalysistohaveeconomicreturnsofupto$9.60foreach $1spentontheprogram.16

14VermontDepartmentof Health, 2008, “Children in Families with Disabilities, HIV, or Chronic Illness”,healthvermont.gov/adap/clearinghouse/documents/J-Summary-Disabilities.pdf; WickramaK,Conger R,LorenzF,JungT,2008,“FamilyAntecedents and Consequences of Trajectories of Depressive Symptoms fromAdolescence to YoungAdulthood:A Life CourseInvestigation”,Journalof Health and Social Behavior,2008 Dec 49(4) 468-483; ShawD,Owens E,GiovannelliJWinslow E, 2001,” Infant and toddlerpathways leadingto early externalizingdisorders.”Journal ofthe American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry, 40, 36-43;Eddy JPoehlmann J,2010,Children of Incarcerated Parents. (J. M.Eddy J.Poehlmann,Eds.). Washington,D.C.:UrbanInstitutePress

15Schweinhar,L,MontieJ,XiangZ,Barnett W, Belfield C, & Nores M, 2005,“Lifetime effects: TheHighScopePerry Preschool study throughage 40”,Ypsilanti,MI:HighScopePress

16Spoth R,Guyll M,and Day S, 2002, “Universal family-focused interventions in alcohol-use disorder prevention:cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses of two interventions”,Journal of Studies onAlcohol, 2002 Mar;63(2):219-28.

Programing andImpacts in FamilyResourceManagement

FamilyConsumerSciencesExtensioninthisareais focusedonhelpingfamiliesmakethemostofwhattheyhaveonadailybasis, andhelpingthosefamilieswhohavetheresourcestousethem wiselyandplanfinanciallyforthefuture.Itisclearthatthereissignificantneedforeducationinthisarea—studieshaveshownthat36%ofAmericansareworriedabouthavingenoughmoneytopaytheirnormalmonthly

bills,17afull42%ofparentswhoexpecttheirchildrentocontinuetheireducationafterhighschool have

savednothingatallforthat,and27%ofworkersreporthaving$1,000orlessinretirementsavings.18FigureES-4showsthetwohigh-levelthematicareasofworkinthisdomain,andkeyexamplesofcontentfallingunderthesethemes.

Figure ES-4:Principalareasof activityin FamilyResourceManagement

FamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionprogramminginFamilyResourceManagementiseffectiveonmanylevels.FCSExtensionsetsyouthonapathofpersonalfinancialmanagementcapabilities,andprogramevaluationshaveshownthatevenelementaryschoolstudentsquicklylearnaboutthelinkbetweeneducationandearnings.Highschoolstudentsparticipatinginprogramsincludingreal-lifesimulationscomeawaywithanappreciationof notonlyhowtobudgetandmakespendingdecisions,butalsoanunderstandingofthecostsofraisingachildandtheimportanceofwaitinguntiltheyarefinanciallyablebeforestartingafamily.Theseinnovativeandengagingprogramsmakealastingimpressiononthosemakingimportantdecisionsconcerningcontinuededucationandcareers.Programmingin personalfinanceatthislevelcanliterallychangethetrajectoryofayoungperson’slife.

17Gallup'sannual Economy and PersonalFinance poll,conducted April 3-6, 2014

18Princeton SurveyResearch Associates International, 2012, “2012Household FinancialPlanningSurvey”,prepared for CertifiedFinancialPlanner Board ofStandardsand theConsumer Federation of America,

Programmingforadultshasitsownrewards,astheresultscanoftenbeseenimmediately,whenparticipantstakebasicstepslikeopeningupcheckingandsavingsaccountsanddevelopinghouseholdbudgets.Familiesmaynotbeabletochangetheirincomelevel,buttheycanlearntomakethemostofwhattheyhave.Inadditiontobeingofimmediatevaluetothefamily,thechildrenwillgarnerlong-termbenefits.Sinceparentsareachild’sfirstandmostimportantteachers,soundfinancialmanagementmodeledinthehomemeansthatmorechildrenwillgrowupabsorbinghealthypersonalfinancehabits,resultinginmorefinancialstabilityinthenextgeneration.

Financialliteracyinvolvesabasicsetofskillsthatalmostanyonecanlearn,regardlessoftheirincomelevel,andwhichcanimprovethefinancialstabilityofparticipantsandtheirfamilies.

Reachinglong-termgoalsmaybemorefeasibleoncesoundfinancialmanagementbecomesthestandardinahome.FCSExtensionprogrammingeducatesfamiliesthathavereachedthatfirststeptohelpthemmoveontosettingasidemoneyforemergencies,homeownership,andretirement.

Programmingisalsotailoredforolderadultswhoarepreparingfortheirownparticularimportantfinancialdecisionsconcerninglong-termcareandestateplanning.

FamilyConsumerSciencesalsoprovidesdirecteducation,andtrainsvolunteers,toassistindividualswithimmediatefinancialproblemsanddecisionmaking.SeniorHealthInsuranceCounseling,offeredbyKansasStateExtension,focusesonprovidingeducationtoMedicarebeneficiariesandwasfoundtogenerate$20.69insavingsonmedicalandprescriptioncostsforeach$1spentontheprogramin2014.InIowa,volunteerstrainedbyExtensionhavecompletedover10,000incometaxreturnsforlow-incomeruralresidentssince2008aspartoftheVolunteerIncomeTaxAssistanceprogram.Thishasresultedin$5.7millioninrefundableearnedincometaxcreditsreturnedtoIowans.

AdditionalProgrammingObservations

Aspartoftheresearchforthisproject,aninventoryofprogramofferingswasdevelopedacrossstates.

Theinventoryprovedinvaluableinunderstandingthebreadthofprogrammingavailable,butalso

revealedinstancesofmultiplestatesofferingdifferentprogramswithsimilardescriptions,

Keyopportunity:FamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionintheNorthCentralRegioncanstrengthenitsknowledge-sharingprocesstoreduceparalleleffortsandcombineeffortsinevaluationworkinordertobetterdocumentprogramsuccesses.

goals,andtargetaudiences.Thisinventorywillprovideanewbasisforcollaborativeworkwithintheregion.Theprogramleadersintendtousethisasaguidetoexpandexpertise,leverageexistingprograms,shareevaluationefforts,andultimatelybemoreefficientinfutureprogramdevelopment.

Throughoutthecourseofthisevaluation,effortstograspthereachandeffectivenessofFamilyConsumerSciencesprogrammingintheregionwerefrustratedbytheinconsistenciesacrossstatesinreportingmethodsused,andinsomecasesthelackofusefuldata.Evenaquestionassimpleas“HowmanyindividualsdirectlyreceivedFamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionprogramminglastyear?”couldnotbeansweredbyanystate.Statestypicallycollectdataon“directcontacts”,whichduplicatesthe

countforthoseattendingmulti-sessionprograms,andareusuallyunabletocapturethenumberofuniqueindividualswhoparticipateinprogramming.

Keyopportunity:Standardizingandstrengtheningbasicreportingandevaluationmethodswillallowformoreeffectiveassessmentsandgreateraccountability.UnderstandingprogrameffectivenessandgraspingtheextentofFamilyConsumerSciencesExtension’simpactandreacharedifficultbecauseofa lackofconsistentevaluationandreportingacrossprogramsandstates.

ImpactReports,whicharecreatedforindividualprogramsandaremeanttoconveytheeffectivenessofthatprogram,comeineveryformanddegreeofdetail,makingitextremelydifficulttocompareprogramsacrossstates,oraggregatedataacrosstheregion.

Fundingfor FamilyConsumer SciencesExtension

FamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionreceivesitsfundingthroughmultiplesources,including:allocationsfromgovernmentalagenciesatthefederal,state,andcountylevels;grantsandcontractsfromgovernmentalagencies,non-profits,andcorporations;thesaleofpublicationsorcurricula;andfeesfordeliveryofprogramming.FigureES-5showsthebreakdownoffundingwithintheregion.

Figure ES-5:TotalFamilyConsumer SciencesExtensionfundingbysource withintheNorth Central Region,2014

Total2014 Funding:$142.9million

ThreefederalfundingsourcesforFCSExtension—Smith-Lever,SNAP-Ed,andEFNEP—madeup59.4%ofallFCSExtensionfundingintheregionin2014,andareallprimarilyformulaic.Onitsface,thissituationwouldseemtoensureasteady,reliablebaseoffundingonwhichFCSExtensioncouldrelyforcontinuityofprogrammingandthedevelopmentandrealizationoflong-termgoalswithinthediscipline.

Asthisanalysishasshown,however,neitherSmith-LevernorEFNEPhavekeptpacewithinflation,andalthoughSNAP-Edhas,theincreaseinSNAP-Edfundinghasfallenfarshortoftheincreaseindemand.ThenumberoffamiliesreceivingSNAPbenefitshasrisenby31%since2010,whileSNAP-Edfunding

hasonlyincreasedby6%inthesametimeperiod.TheneedforallFamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionserviceshasgrown,withcontinuingpopulationgrowth,morepeoplelivinginpoverty,andincreasesintherateofobesity,chronicdisease,lack ofsavings,andotherchallengestohealthyliving.

Keyfinding:MeetingagrowingneedforfundingforFamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionintheNorthCentralRegionwouldresultintheabilitytosupportstaffandadditionalprogrammingthatwouldhelpreachalargerpercentofchildren,youth,andfamiliesinneedofeducation.

Inadditiontosystemicproblemswithensuringadequatefundingforkeyprograms,thesequestrationcutsinthemiddleof2013significantlyreducedtotalfundingfortheyearforthesethreeprograms,whichrequireddrasticreductionandeliminationofscheduledprogrammingforthebalanceoftheyear,sincethecutsweremadewhenthe yearwasalreadywellunderway.

Thereisalsosignificantvariationinthelevelsoffunding acrossthestates,intotalandpercapita,withthethreelargeststatesbeingatasignificantdisadvantage,withamongthelowestfundingtotals(excludingSNAP-EdandEFNEP).

AmorestableandevenbaseoffundingovertimewouldhelptoassureimprovedaccesstoFCSExtensionprogrammingforcommunities,families,andindividuals,aswellastheorganizationsthatsupportandcollaboratewiththem.

In Conclusion

Battelle’sreviewofFamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionintheNorthCentralRegionrevealsahighlydynamic,pragmatic,andcontemporaryappliedacademicdisciplinethatismakingapositivedifferenceinthelivesofmillionsofAmericans,and,byextension,enrichingthecommunitiesinwhichtheylive,andthenationasawhole.FamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionaddressessomeofthemostpressingsocialchallengesfacingthenation,itscommunities,anditsfamiliesthroughresearch-basededucationalprogramming.TheExtensionsystemisuniqueinitscapacitytoreachbroadswathsoftheAmericanpublic,ineverystateandcounty,withconsistent,research-basedprogramming.

Today,amajorfactorlimitingtheprospectsforAmerica’sfutureisthediminishedhealthandwell-beingofitscitizenscomparedtopreviousgenerations.FamilyConsumer SciencesExtension,throughits strongresearchcapabilitiesanditseffective,state-wideeducationdeliverysystem,helpstoaddressthoseissueswitheducationalprogrammingacrossthelifespan,acrossallsocio-economicclasses,inrural andurbansettings,andthroughbothtraditionalandinnovativeavenues.Throughextensivepartnershipswithpublicandnon-profitgroupsacrossthenation,itworkstoleverageresourcesandreduce duplicationofeffortacrossmultipleentitiesworkingtowardthesame purpose.Asaproviderofproveneducationalmaterialsandprogramming,itisago-tosourceformanyofthosesameentities,and canbeseentoform thebedrockorfoundationthatsupportstheactivitiesofalargenetworkofindividualorganizations,familyservingagencies,educators,andotherstakeholdersthatprovideeducationandsupportforindividualsandtheirfamilies.

FamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionintheNorthCentralRegionalsoworkstoestablishthestructureandcreatetheprocessestoensurethatmorepeoplecanbeencouragedtomakepositive,healthychoices,andhasbecomeinvolvedinpolicydiscussionsatthelocal,state,andnationallevelstohelptoaffectbroadsocietalchangesthatwillincreasethewell-beingofall.

WithintheNorthCentralRegion,manydifferenceswereuncoveredamongthetwelvestatesintheregion,reflectingdifferentorganizationalstructures,programmingemphases,reportingpractices,fundingsources,andmanyotherdetails.Thesedifferences,however,aredwarfedbythecommonmissionofimprovingthehealthandwell-beingofthepeopleintheirstatesandinthecountry,andthepowerandeffectivenessoftheprogrammingoffered.Particularlynoteworthyisthehighlevelofcontinuedinnovationandoptimism,eveninthefaceofbudgetaryconstraintsthatareinsomecasesextreme.

TheeducationalactivitiesofFamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionintheNorthCentralRegionisprofiledinthefullreport,alongwithpublishedresearchevaluations.Theyservetoillustrateanacademicdisciplinethatisefficientandcost-effectiveindeliveringprogramsthatnotonlyimproveAmericanlivesandthestrengthofournation,butalsoprovidelong-termcostsavings.AlthoughthisreportevaluatedFamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionintheNorthCentralRegion,manyofthefindingsinitwillbeapplicableFamilyConsumerSciencesExtensionacrossthecountry.