Radio Script

February 2nd- “Getting to Know SNAP with More in My Basket”

This is Taylor Lynn, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Burke County Center. Our program today is “Getting to know SNAP with More in My Basket” SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It’s a national food assistance program that helps millions of households put food on the table and live active, healthy lives. If you’re approved for SNAP, you receive a set amount of benefits each month on an Electronic Benefits Transfer card, or EBT card. The EBT card works just like a debit card and can be used to buy food at grocery stores, convenience stores, and even some farmers markets. The card is protected by a PIN, and you can manage your balance using the EBTEdge app. SNAP benefits can’t be used for things like alcohol, tobacco, non food items or hot ready-to-eat foods. But you can use SNAP to purchase ingredients to prepare foods at home or buy seeds and edible plants to grow food at home. SNAP is designed to be a hunger safety net for those who qualify. There’s no waiting list, and applications are processed locally through your county. Still, about one in six people who are eligible don’t participate. If you think SNAP could help you or someone you know, you can apply in person at your local DSS office, online through the ePASS website, or by contacting More in My Basket. This has been Taylor Lynn with the NC Cooperative Extension, Burke Center. For more information you can contact us at 764-9480

This is Taylor Lynn, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Burke County Center. Today’s program is “Staying Hydrated This Summer”.

With warmer weather approaching, it is important to make sure you are staying hydrated. Whether you’re playing outside, working in the yard, or heading to the pool, remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Be sure to keep a water bottle nearby and take regular sips to stay cool, energized, and healthy.

Not a fan of plain water? Try hydrating alternatives like sports drinks, coconut water, herbal tea, sparkling water, or even water-rich fruits like watermelon and oranges. Another great alternative is infused waters. Adding delicious fruits and herbs to your water can help enhance the taste, making it easier to get your recommended fluid intake.

This has been Taylor Lynn with the NC Cooperative Extension Burke County Center. For more information, you can contact us at 828-764-9480.

This is Taylor Lynn, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Burke County Center. Our program today is “low-risk food trucks”.

As the weather warms up and local festivities begin, more entrepreneurs are interested in starting their own food truck business. When starting your business, it is important to assess if your business requires an inspection by visiting your local environmental health department. If your business consists of selling items such as prepackaged food and drinks, coffee, lemonade, or shaved ice, then chances are, your truck would be regulated by the North Carolina Agricultural and Consumer Services rather than environmental health.

While initial inspections may not be required, it is still important that you are following food safety regulations such as having separate sinks for handwashing and dishes, wearing gloves when working with ready to eat foods, maintaining personal hygiene, having potable water, and more. It is important that even if you are making shaved ice using prepackaged syrups that you are also using prepackaged ice. Once you manufacture your own product, that is grounds for regulation and inspection. Furthermore, always be sure to register your business in accordance to federal, state, and local law.

This has been Taylor Lynn, with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Burke County Center. For more information you can contact us at 828-764-9480

This is Taylor Lynn, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Burke County Center. Today’s program is “More in My Basket At The Market”.

Did you know that you can use SNAP at the local farmers market? Using your SNAP benefits at the farmers market means that you can purchase local, in season produce and support farmers in your community. If shopping at the Morganton Farmer’s Market, be sure to stop by J&J Farm’s booth to receive your shopping tokens that can be used at any booth selling fresh produce.

Before converting EBT benefits to shopping tokens, walk the market to develop your shopping list and gauge prices. You can then decide how many tokens you are going to need .If the market is participating in programs such as double-up bucks or the Fresh Bucks, you can receive up to $20 worth of additional tokens to purchase fresh produce. These tokens are not redeemable for cash and are only redeemable at the market in which they were originally received.

Using SNAP at the market can be a great way to stretch your food budget, incorporate local fresh produce into your families diet, get to know community members, and explore new produce options.

This has been Taylor Lynn with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Burke County Center. For more information you can contact us at 828-764-9480.

This is Taylor Lynn, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Burke County Center. Our program today is “Cyclospora Awareness”. You may have heard or read recent articles about Cyclospora. Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can cause foodborne illness. While it's not as well known as Salmonella or E. coli, Cyclospora has been linked to outbreaks in the United States, especially during the warmer months.

People can become infected by eating fresh produce, such as berries, lettuce, or basil, that has been contaminated through unsafe water or poor sanitation. The parasite can also spread if someone handling food doesn't wash their hands properly after using the restroom.

Symptoms may include diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, mild fever, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk. Wash your hands before preparing or eating food, purchase fresh produce from reputable sources, and practice good food safety at home. If you work in food service and have diarrhea, you should stay home to keep customers safe.

This has been Taylor Lynn, with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Burke County Center. For more information you can contact us at 828-764-9480