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

This is Taylor Lynn, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Burke County Center. Today’s Program is “Pressure Canner Condition Check”.

With canning season upon us, it is essential that your pressure canner is in good working condition. To ensure safe food preservation, inspect your pressure canner before every use. Check the metal body for cracks or pitting, confirm the air vent pipe is clear by holding it up to the light, and ensure the rubber gasket is flexible with no tears or cracks. Make sure that your dial gauge is not rusty, cracked, hard to read, or retaining moisture. Dial gauges should be checked for accuracy and overall condition every year. If your gauge is off by more than 2 PSI, it will need to be replaced.

This has been Taylor Lynn with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Burke County Center. For more information or to schedule an appointment for gauge testing 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 “Developing a Household Food Budget”.

Whether you currently receive food stamps, or are operating on limited income, developing a budget is important for families and individuals. Creating a budget can be time-consuming, requiring patience and attention to detail.

The first thing to do when developing a household budget is keep track of income and expenses. You want to identify your net income, fixed expenses, and flexible expenses before deciding how much you can spend on food, savings, and novelties.

Many individuals aren’t able to meet their fixed and flexible expenses and afford food without assistance. If you are one of those individuals you can seek out assistance by applying for food stamps, visiting your local food banks and pantries, participating in free or reduced lunch school programs, visiting congregate meal sites, or applying for WIC if eligible.

For more information or guidelines on assistance eligibility, you can contact More In My Basket at morefood.org.

This has been Taylor Lynn, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent 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 “Why

Preserve?”

Throughout history, food preservation has been a way to minimize garden waste and

help get through hard winters.

Food preservation isn’t just canning. It encompasses freezing and drying as well.

These methods help extend the storage life of food that you grow from your garden, all

the way to the food you purchase at the grocery store.

Not only can you expand the shelf life of your food through preservation

methods, but you can also lock in the flavor and nutritional value of the food whenever it

is in season. As soon as food is harvested, the spoilage process begins, reducing the

quality of your food.

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, “Starting the New School

Year”.

School is back in session, and those first-week jitters are in the air. One of the best ways

families can make the transition easier is by establishing a consistent routine. Children often do

better when they know what to expect. Setting regular times for waking up, meal times, and

bedtime can help mornings and evenings feel less rushed.

After school, consider creating a simple routine that gives children time to decompress before

jumping into homework or activities. A snack, a few minutes outside, or some quiet time may be

just what they need.

But routines aren't just about schedules. It's also important to build in time to check in with your

child.

Instead of only asking, “How was school today?” try questions that encourage more

conversation. Ask, “What was the best part of your day?” “Was anything difficult today?” or “Who

did you spend time with at lunch or recess?”

These conversations can help parents and caregivers notice when a child may be struggling.

Sometimes children won't tell us directly that something is bothering them, but regular

conversations let them know that we're interested.

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 “Local Fall Fun”.

As we head into September, the thought of Fall activities enter our minds. Instead of traveling far for some fall fun, why not look locally?

If you are looking for a fun, family friendly, apple picking experience right here in Morganton, visit Apple Hill Orchard. Apple Hill Orchard is open now through November from Monday to Saturday 9am to 6pm.

Another fun fall U-pick experience can be found at Henry River Farms. At Henry River Farms families can pick pumpkins, take a hayride, explore a sorghum maze, and meet some farm animals. Henry River Farms runs from September 19th to Halloween. You can visit on Thursdays and Fridays,12 to 6 PM, and Saturdays,10 AM to 6 PM.

When we visit local farms for fun activities, we are participating in what is known as agricultural tourism. Agricultural tourism provides farmers with another way to support their farm while giving families an opportunity to learn where their food comes from and experience agriculture firsthand.

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

Mental Health Awareness Radio Spot

This is Taylor Lynn, Family and Consumer Sciences extension agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Burke County Center. Today's program is “mental health awareness”.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness month. Mental health concerns are often met with silence, stigma, or shame, however it doesn't have to be that way.

If a loved one reaches out to you with their mental health concerns, there are many strategies to provide them with meaningful support.

A very important strategy when supporting a loved one is active listening. Active listening involves letting a person share their thoughts and feelings without interrupting. Sometimes people just want someone to hear them out without having someone try to give them immediate solutions.

Another strategy involves acknowledging how someone feels without immediately dismissing them. Making unhelpful statements like, “just cheer up” or “just get over it” may worsen mental health.

It is also important to check in with your loved ones regularly regarding their mental health. A simple text or phone call can let a loved one know that you care about them, and can be a helpful tool for monitoring the status of their mental health.

If you or someone you know is struggling or are in a crisis, you can call or text 988.

This has been Taylor Lynn, Family and Consumer Sciences extension agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Burke County Center. For more information you can contact us at (828) 764-9480

Radio Spot September 15th “Fall Prevention Awareness”

This is Taylor Lynn, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Burke County Center. Today’s program is about Fall Prevention Awareness.

Next week is Fall Prevention Awareness Week. Falls are in the top three list of causes of accidental death in the United States. There are several simple steps you can take to help reduce your risk.

Start by finding an exercise or balance program that helps improve your strength, balance, and flexibility. Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk of falling and ask whether a fall-risk assessment may be appropriate for you.

It’s also important to review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist as some medications can cause side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness.

Regular vision and hearing checks are another important part of fall prevention. Seeing and hearing clearly can help you stay aware of your surroundings and recognize potential hazards.

In your home, remove trip hazards, improve lighting, make stairs and walkways safer, and consider installing grab bars where they may be helpful.

Finally, talk with your family and loved ones about fall prevention. Their support can make it easier to take these simple steps and stay safe, active, and independent.

This has been Taylor Lynn, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent with North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Burke County Center. For more information, contact our office at 828-764-9480.

Radio Spot September 22nd “Disaster Preparedness"

This is Taylor Lynn, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Burke County Center. Today’s program is about Disaster Preparedness.

Nearly two years ago, Hurricane Helene reminded us just how quickly life can change. Across Western North Carolina, flooding, power outages and damaged roads left families and communities facing challenges few could have imagined.

As we remember that storm, it’s also a good time to ask: Is your family ready for the next emergency?

Start with a plan. Know how you’ll contact one another, where you’ll meet if you’re separated, and where you’ll go if you need to leave home.

Build an emergency kit. Keep at least three days of food and water on hand, that’s one gallon of water per person, per day. In a waterproof bag add a flashlight, batteries, first-aid supplies, a manual can opener, medications, family documents, and other essentials your household may need that can succumb to water damage.

In case power goes out, keep a thermometer in your fridge and freezer, have a cooler and ice packs ready, and keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. If food has come into contact with floodwater, don’t take a chance, when in doubt, throw it out.

This has been Taylor Lynn, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent with North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Burke County Center. For more information, you can contact our office at 828-764-9480.