More than 60 exhibitors took part in the Green Living Expo and Arlington Earth Week Community Fair, sponsored by Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment (ACE) and George Mason University, and held at the university’s Arlington campus.  Visit the VCE Arlington blog for more interesting information about this event featuring our Master Food Volunteers:

http://blogs.ext.vt.edu/arl-alexvce/

Following is a link to a great article written by Master Food Volunteer, Lisa Metzger, from Arlington/Alexandra about a recent program, FAN (Food and Nutrition) Camp held for children enrolled at Barcroft Elementary School in Arlington.  Master Food Volunteers work with FCS Agent, Katie Strong, to teach  nutrition using some fun games and hands-on cooking experiences to make banana pudding in a bag, salsa, and apple wraps.

This is a great example of some wonderful programs our FCS Agents and Master Food Volunteers facilitate with all age groups and provides inspiration to think of new ways to teach these important skills that promote a healthy lifestyle.

Please keep sending us these great stories to share!  Email your stories to Melissa Chase, mechase@vt.edu.

Click here to read the entire article:  https://blogs.ext.vt.edu/arl-alexvce/

It seems as though many of us are continually searching for ideas to de-clutter our homes and re-organize our kitchens.  With spring rapidly approaching, you may already be looking for ideas for prepare for your annual “spring cleaning.”   According to Iowa State University’s Extension and Outreach “Spend Smart. East Smart.” blog, http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/foodsavings/ …kitchen re-organization can also help consumers save money.    The blog  suggests three common themes for kitchen organization:  1) Create “centers” in your kitchen around common activities; 2) Get rid of items you are not using; and 3) Store the items you use the most between your shoulders and knees and in the front where you can most see it.  Tips and ideas for kitchen reorganization can easily be incorporated into your Master Food Volunteer trainings and community classes.  You might even consider having a cooking utensil “swap” activity with your Master Food Volunteers and add needed utensils and tools to your classroom cooking/teaching kits while helping each other get rid of items not being used at home.   Stay tuned to the Spend Smart. Eat Smart blog weekly entries for the month of January 2013.  The blog will feature a new entry each week to focus on kitchen organization.