Kaufman County - Family & Community Health

🍅🌽 Dinner Tonight - June 2026 Recipe Feature: Cowboy Caviar! 🌽🍅

This month's Dinner Tonight video is all about Cowboy Caviar, and I have to say... this may be my favorite recipe yet! 🤠

Packed with fresh vegetables, beans, and bold flavor, it's perfect as a dip, side dish, or healthy snack. Want to make it a complete meal? Simply add 1 pound of cooked ground beef, turkey, or chicken and serve it over rice, in tacos, or enjoy it all by itself for a quick and satisfying dinner!

✅ Easy to make
✅ Budget-friendly
✅ Great for meal prep
✅ Perfect for summer gatherings

Give it a try and let me know what you think! I have a feeling this one will become a family favorite in your house too.

June 2026 Dinner Tonight - Cowboy Caviar 🤠🌽 Dinner Tonight! – June 2026 Recipe Feature: Cowboy Caviar 🌽🤠Lo...

🧠💚 June is Mental Health Awareness Month 💚🧠

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Every day, children, teens, and adults face challenges that may not be visible to others. If you are struggling, please know that you are not alone. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Did you know?

📊 In Kaufman County, approximately 23% of adults have been diagnosed with depression, and about 18% report experiencing frequent mental distress.

📊 Across Texas, about 20% of youth experience a mental, emotional, behavioral, or developmental condition, and many young people facing depression do not receive the treatment they need.

Mental health affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. Whether you're facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, or simply feeling overwhelmed, support is available.

Try this recipe below!

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for immediate support. Help is available 24/7.

🔗 Sources:
• Texas Health Kaufman Community Health Needs Assessment: https://www.texashealth.org
• Texas Department of State Health Services Mental Health Dashboard: https://healthdata.dshs.texas.gov
• Kaufman County Behavioral Health Resources: https://www.kaufmancounty.net

Take care of your mind, check in on your loved ones, and remember—you never have to face life's challenges alone. 💚

Have a wonderful day!

⏰ REMINDER! ⏰

Our Lunch & Learn program is coming up on Friday, July 10th from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM at the Kaufman County Extension Office!

For just $8 per person, you'll enjoy lunch and get hands-on experience creating your very own custom spice blend to take home. 🌿🧂

Spots are filling up quickly, and we only have a few seats remaining!

To register, email [email protected] or call the Kaufman County Extension Office today.

Don't miss out on this fun, flavorful, and educational lunchtime event! 🍽️✨

🌿 Lunch & Learn at the Kaufman County Extension Office! 🌿

Join us on July 10th from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM for a fun and interactive Lunch & Learn hosted at the Kaufman County Extension Office!

🍽️ Lunch will be provided
💲 $8 per person
🌶️ Special Activity: Build your very own favorite spice blend and take home a jar of it!

This is a great opportunity to enjoy a relaxing lunch, meet new people, and take part in a hands-on activity you can use at home.

Hosted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

📍 Kaufman County Extension Office
📅 July 10th | ⏰ 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

📌 Registration Required — Spots are limited!

To register:
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Call: Kaufman County Extension Office at 469-376-4520

We hope to see you there for a flavorful and fun lunchtime experience! 🌿✨

🌟 Kaufman County 4-H Food & Nutrition Project Update! 🌟

We are off to a great start with several NEW 4-H members joining our Food & Nutrition Project this year! I am excited to see so many young people developing skills, confidence, and a passion for food, nutrition, and agriculture.

As we begin preparing for the 2027 competition season, I will be offering exciting opportunities for youth who are interested in participating in 4-H Food & Nutrition contests. Starting in August, I will be providing 1-on-1 practice sessions for both teams and individuals, depending on your child's interests and goals.

If your kiddo is interested in getting involved—or if you'd like to learn more about the project and competition opportunities—please contact me at [email protected].

My goal is to help youth of all ages fall in love with agriculture the way I did. Whether you're brand new to 4-H or looking to grow your skills, I'd love for you to join me on this journey!

💚🍎🌾

Did You Know?
Carrots can be grown year-round in Texas and are part of the parsley family, along with celery, dill, fennel, and parsnips. Their sweet flavor and crunchy texture make them delicious raw or cooked.

Shop and Save
Choose carrots that are firm, smooth, brightly colored, and free of cracks, green tops, or hair-like roots. Small to medium carrots are often the sweetest. If attached, leafy tops should be fresh and green.

Store Well, Waste Less
Store carrots in a sealed bag or container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Remove leafy tops before storing to prevent moisture loss. Wash carrots just before using.

Nutrition & Preparation
A ½-cup serving of raw carrots contains just 26 calories and provides fiber, vitamins A, B6, and K. Rinse well before eating. Enjoy carrots raw or cooked by roasting, steaming, stir-frying, grilling, or adding them to soups and side dishes.

Last day of 4-H State Roundup! 🍀💚

Tuesday night, I had the opportunity to be a speaker during the Lightning Sessions for 4-H Volunteers and Agents, sharing ideas for Food & Nutrition Project summer camps to help prepare youth for upcoming competitions. It was great to connect with so many passionate leaders dedicated to helping young people succeed!

Yesterday, I spent the day judging Food Challenge, and it was an absolute BLAST! Just look at some of the incredible dishes these talented youth presented. 👏🍽️

Today, I had the opportunity to judge Healthy Lifestyle Invitational presentations and was equally impressed by the hard work, creativity, and knowledge showcased by participants.

What a fantastic time in College Station, celebrating the dedication and achievements of Texas 4-H members. Until next year! 🍀💚

🍟 Air Frying 101 – Hands-On Cooking Class! 🍟

Join us on Tuesday, July 14th, from 10:00–11:30 AM at the Gun Barrel Community Center for Air Frying 101!

This interactive, hands-on class will include:
✅ Food demonstrations
✅ Tips and tricks for air frying success
✅ Tasty recipe ideas
✅ Door prizes!

Cost: $20 per person (covers all materials)

Space is limited, so be sure to sign up soon!

📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Call the Kaufman County Extension Office: 469-376-4520

We look forward to cooking with you!

📣 You asked, and I listened! After seeing your comments and receiving several requests, I’m excited to announce that with the green light officially given, Preserving the Harvest is hitting the road AGAIN — this time to Edgewood, TX! 🍑🚗

Join us on Saturday, August 22nd from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the NEW Edgewood Senior Center for a fun-filled morning of learning, fellowship, and delicious recipes!

🍑 We will be making:
• Peach Butter
• Peach Salsa

✅ Registration is NOW OPEN!

The class fee helps cover your materials, and everyone will enjoy:
🥐 Breakfast
🎁 Door Prizes
👩‍🍳 Hands-on instruction & your preserved jars
🤝 Great fellowship and fun

If you'd like to register, please contact me:
📧 [email protected]
📞 Kaufman County Extension Office: 469-376-4520

Spots are limited, so don't wait! Grab a friend and come spend the morning preserving summer's harvest with us. We can't wait to see you in Edgewood! 🍑❤️

🚗💙 Friendly Reminder! 💙🚗

Don't miss our TWO amazing Car Seat Events happening on June 29th and June 30th from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM!

To register for your appointment, please complete the form for the location you plan to attend:
📍 Grand Saline
https://bit.ly/VanCarSeats
📍 Wills Point
https://bit.ly/WillsPointCarSeats

🚙 Walk-Ins Welcome!
We will have an open drive-thru available for walk-ins at the Wills Point event on June 29th

**UPDATE: We will have an open drive-thru available in Grand Saline as well on June 30th!!!

📍 Event locations can be found on the registration forms linked above.

This event is FREE for anyone and everyone, so bring your family, friends, and neighbors! We look forward to helping keep your little ones safe on the road. ❤️

(Huge thanks to Wills Point ISD & Grand Salome ISD for letting us host at their schools!)

🎉 GOOD NEWS! We now have 2 spots available for this month's Preserving the Harvest program at the Kaufman County Extension Office! 🎉

🗓 Saturday, June 27th
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Come join us for a fun morning of:
🥫 Canning
🤝 Fellowship
🎁 Giveaways

What's more could you ask for?! Whether you're new to food preservation or looking to sharpen your skills, this is a great opportunity to learn, connect, and have fun.

📧 To register, email me at [email protected]

Don't wait—these last 2 spots won't last long!