Arkansas Extension FCS - Washington Co.

We are two weeks away from our first DFEND program session. If you, or someone you know, are interested in participating please fill out the questionnaire below.

Are You 18 Years or Older and Interested in Improving Your Health? Take Part in the DFEND Study!

Adults aged 18 years and older who live in Arkansas, please note this series will be located in Fayetteville, are needed to participate in a nutrition and physical activity education research study. The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Department of Food Science, is conducting the DFEND Study (Delivering Food, Exercise, and Nutrition Education for the Prevention of Chronic Disease) to learn more about how multimedia nutrition and physical activity education can improve everyday health behaviors.

Participants will receive $50 for completing the study!
The study lasts 6 weeks and includes weekly in-person nutrition and physical activity education sessions led by local Cooperative Extension Agents or Team DFEND. The first and final sessions will be approximately 2 hours to allow time for assessments, while the remaining sessions will be about 60 minutes each. You’ll also complete brief surveys and simple health assessments (height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse) before and after the program.

For more information, please complete the screening questionnaire [ https://uark.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e5wj5JdKkBvlR0q ] or reach out to your local county agent, Elizabeth Berner, directly ([email protected]).

The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact the Washington County Extension Office at 479-444-1755 as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service is offering a ServSafe Manager's class July 31, 2026 from 8:30am - 5:00pm at The Bogle Family Benton County Public Service auditorium. Register at https://uada.formstack.com/forms/servsafe_benton

Farmers markets are beginning once again. If you plan to participate as a seller, or plan to sell food items from your home, this information is a great resource. Especially with the newest updates.

Edit: Links to information about the Food Freedom Act are updated but someone called our attention today (Sunday) to how we overlooked updating a sentence involving raw milk sales! We will update the fact sheet asap! See comments for a link to current raw milk info.

UPDATED FACT SHEET: Two important websites recently changed for Arkansans interested in making and selling homemade food. The Arkansas Health Department released an updated food guide last week and the Agriculture Department has a new link for applying for a business ID for product labels.

Find both new links in our updated fact sheet on the Arkansas Food Freedom Law:https://www.uaex.uada.edu/publications/pdf/FSPPC318.pdf

Food and Fair Judging Training will be offered July 28th at the Washington County Extension office. We will cover baked foods, food preservation, and educational displays from 9:00am - 12:00pm. The cost is $5.
https://uada.formstack.com/forms/food_fair

Update: Our evening class is now full. We do have several open spots for our Monday morning class. If you would like to be added to our interest list please email [email protected].

Food Preservation Season will soon be upon us. The Washington County Extension Office is conducting two summer adult food preservation classes. We will cover water bath canning, pressure canning, and dehydration. The best part is participants will get to bring what they make home! Spots are limited, so register today! Registration is available here: https://uada.formstack.com/forms/washington_food_pres

If you have any questions please call the Washington County Extension Office at 479-444-1755.

Join Washington County Extension Agent Elizabeth Berner for an introduction to Tai Chi. We will talk about the history and benefits of Tai Chi and practice a few forms. This class will be free, but we ask that you call the Washington County Extension Office to sign up, 479-444-1755.

Food allergies affect more than 33 million people in the United States. Having an action plan in place can help when an allergic reaction occurs.

An emergency care plan can save precious time during a food allergy reaction.
It gives caregivers clear guidance on what to do—including recognizing symptoms, knowing when to give epinephrine and call 911, and having emergency contact numbers ready.
Make sure everyone who cares for someone with food allergies has access to an up‑to‑date plan.
Find and download an emergency care plan here: "

Fuel prices are currently high and continuing to rise. Check out these fuel efficiency tips from Dr. Laura Hendrix to help optimize your fuel usage.


Extension Family & Consumer Sciences