Hale County-Alabama Extension

08/27/2026

Hale County!
If you are curious to know what Kids & Kin is all about, come join us for a training!
Supporting Learning at Home: Developing Good Learning Habits
August 28, 2026 @ 10am
Hale County Extension Office

Hale County!
If you are curious to know what Kids & Kin is all about, come join us for a training!

Supporting Learning at Home: Developing Good Learning Habits
August 28, 2026 @ 10am
Hale County Extension Office

08/27/2026

Precision agriculture helps farmers use technology and science to improve efficiency, increase yields and reduce input costs.

Alabama Extension specialist Simer Virk works with growers to put those tools into practice, including something as important as proper sprayer calibration. Without accurate calibration, farmers can under- or overapply pesticides, wasting product, time and money.

Measuring nozzle flow rates helps ensure applications are more precise and efficient.

Learn how proper sprayer calibration can help growers get more from every application and why it matters for the bottom line. https://www.aces.edu/go/6765

08/27/2026

Join University Medical Center for “Art and Healing: Stories of the Black Belt,” a free community event open to the public to raise health awareness through storytelling and art. The event is Saturday, August 29, from 11:00am to 2:00pm at the Akron Senior and Community Activity Center (131 5th Avenue, Akron).

Enjoy poetry performances, music, photography, art exhibitions and free health screenings. Open to all ages.

08/26/2026

Hale County Extension at the Moundville Farmers Market!

If you had the opportunity to visit the Moundville Farmers Market yesterday, August 25, 2026, you may have seen Hale County Extension’s very own Franchesca Burrell, EFNEP Nutrition Educator!

Franchesca was on hand sharing information about the exciting educational opportunities offered through the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) right here in Hale County. Through engaging, hands-on classes, participants can learn valuable skills related to healthy eating, meal planning, smart shopping, food safety, preparing nutritious meals, and making healthy choices for themselves and their families.

Whether you are an expectant or new parent, raising a family, or simply interested in learning how to make healthy meals while stretching your food budget, Franchesca offers educational opportunities designed to meet the needs of our community.

Her visit to the Moundville Farmers Market was also an opportunity to recruit participants for upcoming EFNEP classes. We are excited to connect with more individuals and families while providing practical knowledge and skills that can make a lasting difference.

Be on the lookout for upcoming classes in Hale County! There is always something to learn, and Franchesca is ready to help you take the next step toward healthier living!

For more information or to learn about upcoming classes, contact Franchesca Burrell through the Hale County Extension Office at 334-624-8710.

08/26/2026

The competition is getting good and it's all for a worthwhile cause: neighbors helping neighbors.

So far, 45 counties have reported donations with 31 meeting and exponentially exceeding the 250 pound goal.

As of Tuesday August 25, 2026, Butler county has surged ahead with an impressive 14,148 pounds of donated fresh fruits and vegetables. Marshall, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, and Madison counties are right on their heels.

It's not over have yet...2 weeks to go...0:01 second left on the clock...how many more pounds will be donated?

This challenge officially ends Labor Day so keep growing and keep giving! See where your county ranks, learn more, and track your donations at aces.edu/go/250Challenge.

08/25/2026

From Our Black Belt Farms to Our Black Belt Seniors

The Hale County Extension Office extends a heartfelt thank you to our Black Belt farmers and community partners for giving back to seniors across the Black Belt.

Through the partnership of the University of Alabama’s West Alabama Cardiovascular Health (WACH) Program, Marie McGruder and McGruder Farms of Sawyerville, AL, and Black Belt farmers, fresh, locally grown foods are being shared with senior centers in Hale, Greene, and Sumter counties.

Donations include seasonal favorites such as okra, corn, peas, collard greens, Black Belt watermelons, preserved peaches, and McGruder Farms’ certified organic lemongrass and goldenrod tea.

This effort reflects the spirit of the Grow More, Give More 250-Pound Challenge grow more, give more, and help nourish our communities. By the end of the project, approximately 500 Black Belt seniors will receive these generous gifts.

Thank you for growing with purpose, sharing with love, and giving back to our seniors!

08/25/2026

Congratulations, Shutoria Minniefield Cook!

Today, the Hale County Extension Office celebrated Shutoria Minniefield Cook as she completed the Today’s Mom curriculum taught by Franchesca Burrell, EFNEP Educator.

The final lesson, “Celebrating Mom & Baby,” focused on the joys of motherhood, building a strong bond between mother and baby, and supporting healthy growth and development. Participants also practiced newborn care skills, including swaddling, with a demonstration by Polly Moore, Administrative Associate.

The celebration included a Super Sundae tasting and an opportunity to recognize Shutoria’s commitment to learning healthy habits that support healthy pregnancies and strong families. We also thank her husband, Bobby Cook, for joining her to celebrate this special accomplishment.

A special thank you to our Hale County elected officials and community leaders for providing car seats to help keep newborns safe. We are also grateful to Julia Walker, Lavantra Caldwell, founder of Heavenly Hiney Diaper Bank, The Lighthouse Demopolis, and local community members for their generous donations of diapers, wipes, and clothing to support families in need.

Today’s Mom provides expectant mothers with education and resources focused on nutrition, health, wellness, and newborn care. For more information about participating, contact Franchesca Burrell at 334-624-8710.

Congratulations, Shutoria, on this important milestone!

08/25/2026

Franchesca Burrell met with Lakessiah Franklin, the new principal of Hale County College & Career Academy, to discuss a partnership to provide the Fuel for Life curriculum to students at the academy.

Fuel for Life, offered through the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), is an interactive six- to eight-lesson curriculum designed to equip high school students with practical life skills that support healthy living. Lessons focus on nutrition fundamentals, safe food handling and preparation, food resource management, and physical activity recommendations and strategies for maintaining an active lifestyle.

Through hands-on cooking activities and guided discussions, students gain confidence in preparing nutritious foods and making informed food choices. The curriculum also introduces mindful eating and movement strategies to encourage healthy habits, support lifelong wellness, and empower students to make healthier choices.

Franchesca Burrell and Principal Franklin look forward to working together to bring this valuable educational opportunity to students at Hale County College & Career Academy.

Pictured from left to right: Franchesca Burrell, EFNEP Educator, and Lakessiah Franklin, Principal of Hale County College & Career Academy.

08/25/2026

Thank You, Heavenly Hiney Diaper Bank and Lavantra Caldwell, Founder!

Franchesca Burrell, EFNEP Educator, would like to sincerely thank Heavenly Hiney Diaper Bank and Lavantra Caldwell, Founder, for their generous donation in support of the upcoming Today’s Mom graduations taking place this week and next week in Hale County.

Their thoughtful contribution arrived just in time for today’s graduation ceremony and will help make these special celebrations even more meaningful for participating families.

Today’s Mom, taught by Franchesca Burrell through the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), provides valuable nutrition education, resources, and support for expectant parents as they prepare for the arrival of their little ones.

Are you pregnant and interested in participating in the six-class Today’s Mom Workshop? Contact Franchesca Burrell at 334-624-8710 or [email protected] for more information.

Pictured left to right: Lavantra Caldwell, Founder of Heavenly Hiney Diaper Bank; Franchesca Burrell, EFNEP Educator; and James Lewis, Hale County Extension Director, pose with generous donations made in support of upcoming Today’s Mom graduations.

08/25/2026

Alabama Ag Credit is awarding five $10,000 grants to beginning farmers through the JumpStart Grant. Last day to apply is this Friday, August 28.

Visit this link for more information and the application: alabamaagcredit.submittable.com/submit