Family & Consumer Sciences

The Family and Consumer Sciences Program offers the families of Bedford County information and educational programs about food and nutrition, health, family finances and human development.

Extension Explores is an internet-based food preservation program through UT/TSU Extension.  Join us this summer for three free webinars via zoom with expert guest speakers in their fields.  June 22 will be Brewing Beer at Home, July 27 will be Long Term Food Storage and August 17 will be Curing Meats.   To register for more information and zoom links, go to https://tiny.utk.edu/2023EE.  Registered individuals will receive reminders and resources that accompany each session.  Attend just one or all three but come learn about Food Preservation with Extension Explores!

Seasonal Eating
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The Seasonal Eating Program encourages residents to eat what is growing here and now. Check out this page for Seasonal Eating recipes, information, videos and more.
Tennessee Nutrition & Consumer Education
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The goal of TNCEP is to teach families how to choose and prepare nutritionally adequate diets and help them feel empowered to move toward self-sufficiency.
Food Preservation
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Canning, freezing and drying helps you make the most of your harvest of fruits, vegetables and meats. Check out this page for proper methods and safety tested recipes.
Family & Community Education
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Family & Community Education clubs promote a better way of life for all through fellowship, continuing education and service to the community.
Extension Explores: Food Preservation
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Extension Explores: Food Preservation is an on-line resource of monthly zoom lessons, publications and videos about preserving seasonal produce.
Skill Up Tennessee
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The Skill Up TN program helps qualifying residents to reach their employment potential and become self-sufficient.

Contact Information

Whitney Danhof
Family and Consumer Sciences
2105 Midland Road
Shelbyville, TN 37160
wdanhof1@utk.edu
931-684-5971

Yesenia Lira Garcia
Program Assistant, Tennessee Nutrition and ConsumerEducation Program
2105 Midland Road
Shelbyville, TN 37160
yliragar@utk.edu
931-684-5971

2023 Programs

Tai Chi for Diabetes – Mondays and Fridays, January 27 – February 27 (Except Feb. 10) at the Bedford County Extension Office at 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. See the flyer for more information. Call the office at 931-684-5971 to sign up.

Mediterranean Eating Pattern – Fridays, March 10, 17, 24 and Thursday March 30 at the Bedford County Extension Office at 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. See the flyer for more information. Call the office at 931-684-5971 for questions. Mail in or drop off registration and fee to office at 2105 Midland Road, Shelbyville, TN 37160.

Take Charge of Your Diabetes – Mondays, April 3 – May 8 at the Bedford County Extension Office at 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. See the flyer for more information. Call the office at 931-684-5971 for questions or to sign up.

May Marathon Month – Walk a half marathon (13 miles) or a full marathon (26 miles) over the entire month of May, a little at a time, and receive a medal at the end of the month for completing the challenge. You’ll register and then receive a tracking sheet, weekly e-mailed newsletters and a report form at the end. See the flyer for more information. Call the office at 931-684-5971 for questions. Click here to register.

Canning College – Friday, June 9 OR Saturday, June 10 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at First Methodist Church, Shelbyville. See the flyer for more information. Call the office at 931-684-5971 to sign up or for questions.

Dining with Diabetes – Fridays, June 16-30 at the Bedford County Extension Office at 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. See the flyer for more information. Call the office at 931-684-5971 to sign up for questions. Mail in or drop off registration and fee to office at 2105 Midland Road, Shelbyville, TN 37160 or pay on first day of class.

Matter of Balance – Mondays and Fridays, October 9 – November 3 at the Bedford County Extension Office at 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. See the flyer for more information. Call the office at 931-684-5971 for questions or to sign up.