Mitchell County Cooperative Extension

10/13/2026

Have you ever heard about the SNAP program? SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and was previously known as “food stamps.” It can also be called FNS (Food and Nutrition Services) in North Carolina.

SNAP is available for low-income families who meet the gross monthly income allotment for each household size. To learn more about how to apply for SNAP and submit an application, go to dhhs.nc.gov and search for "Apply for SNAP."

09/22/2026

09/21/2026

September is National Food Safety Month! It is important to keep our food safe, especially with the growing risk of foodborne illnesses.

Learn more about how to clean, separate, cook and chill your foods safely here: https://fightbac.org/four-food-safety-practices-to-follow-at-home/

09/16/2026

Adults of all ages need at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week, but the type of exercise you do may look different depending on your age.

Anything that gets your heart beating faster counts, and something that is less exerting for a younger adult may be just the right intensity for older adults. To test if your exercise is the correct intensity, try the “talk test”--you should be able to talk, but not sing during activity.

Always check with your doctor before beginning any exercise routine, and stop if you feel any pain.

https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-11/PAG_MYW_OlderAdult_Poster.pdf

09/16/2026

Fried rice is a quick and easy meal you can make using the leftovers in your fridge!

Mix cooked brown rice, a few scrambled eggs, some veggies (green beans, peas, spinach, and corn all work well), a cooked meat of your choice, and a few spices (try cumin or garlic powder) in a frying pan. Add a little olive oil and a dash of low-sodium soy sauce, and fry until the rice is browned.

Serve and enjoy!

09/04/2026

So Easy to Preserve Books Are Here!

Looking for a reliable resource for home food preservation? We have a limited number of So Easy to Preserve books from the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension available at our office!

This book is a great resource for both new and experienced home food preservers, with research-based information and tested recipes for:
• Canning fruits, vegetables, meats, and other foods
• Jams, jellies, and preserves
• Pickling and fermented foods
• Freezing
• Drying and dehydrating
• And more!

📚 $35 per book
📍 Available at the Yancey County Cooperative Extension office
⚠️ Only 10 copies available!

If you preserve food at home or want to learn, this is one of those reference books you’ll reach for again and again.

Stop by the office to pick up your copy while supplies last! We can only accept payments made by cash or check.

08/28/2026

Thank you to Mayland Community College for helping make this regional event a success!

We were pleased to partner with Mayland and other partners to inform landowners opportunities for farm and forest land preservation, succession planning, and keeping working lands working for future generations.

We appreciate everyone who attended, presented, exhibited, and helped make the day possible. Strong partnerships like these are essential to supporting agriculture, forestry, and rural communities across Western North Carolina.

08/26/2026

Peaches are still in season! Enjoy this tasty fruit for a snack, with breakfast or as a dessert. 🍑 Eat one this week to get some extra vitamin C.

08/13/2026

NC State Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Mitchell County Information Session will be on August 21st at 10am at Bowman. We are starting Master Gardener classes the beginning of October, if you are interested please come to this information session, if you have any questions call us at 828-688-4811

08/11/2026

August is National Wellness month, which focuses on self-care and starting healthy routines.

Try some of these healthy habits this month to help you work toward a healthier lifestyle:
- Drink more water 💧
- Stretch or try yoga 🧘‍♂️
- Cut back on added sugar and choose healthier snacks 🥜🫐
- Set a bedtime to help you get 8 hours of sleep 🛌
- Go on a walk (or a run) 🏃🏽‍♀️
- Take a few minutes every day to check in with yourself and see how you are feeling
Make sure to check with your doctor before beginning any exercise routine, and stop if you feel any pain.