WSU Extension of Benton and Franklin counties is committed to providing consumers with researched based food safety and nutrition information to encourage families to make food and physical activity choices that promote health and prevent disease.
Let Today Be Your New Beginning
The benefits of healthy eating add up over time, bite by bite. Small changes matter. Your future self will thank you for it! Start Simple with MyPlate
A healthy eating routine is important at every stage of life. It can have positive effects that add up over time. It’s important to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy or fortified soy alternatives. When deciding what to eat or drink, choose options that are full of nutrients. Learn more about creating a healthier you this year.
1 in 6 Americans will get a foodborne illness this year. Learn the four steps to safer food for your family.
- Clean – Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces often.
- Separate – Don’t cross-contaminate
- Chill – Refrigerate food promptly
- Cook – Cook to the right temperature.
Plus, you’ll learn about food thermometers, food recalls and common safety myths.
The rules of home food preservation have changed over the years. Are you sure that recipe you are planning to use follows today’s safety standards? It’s not worth taking the chance of making your family and friends sick! Follow these top tips from our Food Preservation Specialist.
- Know your Recipe – Just because Grandma made it 40 years ago doesn’t mean it won’t make you sick today. Only use research-based, laboratory tested, up-to-date recipes from the resources on our home food preservation page.
- Follow Directions Carefully – This seems easy enough, but sometimes accidentally leaving out even one tiny step can prove costly!
- Date Your Goods – Date and store all home-canned foods no longer than 12 months at a temperature between 50-70 degrees out of direct sunlight.
Love preserving and want to help others learn this valuable skill? Our Master Food Preserver program is designed just for you! Learn more
Take these steps to changing your diet for better nutrition.
Balance Calories
- Enjoy your food, but eat less.
- Avoid oversized portions.
Foods to Increase
- Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
- Make at least half your grains whole grains.
- Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.
Foods to Reduce
- Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals – and choose the foods with lower numbers.
- Drink water instead of sugary drinks.
