Minidoka County

Youth/Family & Consumer Science

Donna R. Gillespie, Extension Educator, provides leadership for county, multi-county, and district programs in youth and families at risk.  She also coordinates the overall county 4-H program team in cooperation with the 4-H Program Coordinator, Jeni Bywater.  In addition Donna collaborates with other District III FCS Extension Educators to implement general family and consumer science programming.  Her division of time is approximately 70% District III 4-H responsibilities, 20% general Family and Consumer Science responsibilities, and 10% Administrative duties.

The mission of 4-H is to assist youth in acquiring knowledge, developing life skills and forming attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, productive and contributing members of society.  32,245 Idaho youth are enrolled in the 4-H youth program.  More than 4,250 volunteers assisted in providing education to these youngsters.  For more information about 4-H in Minidoka County or information about 4-H nation wide go to: Minidoka County 4-H Program or National 4-H Headquarters. 

The link between health and nutrition is well established.  By sharing the latest in nutrition skills, extension educators support families’ choice of healthier lifestyles.  In addition, the safety of the food supply – from production through processing and consumption – is a prevalent concern of families today.  Extension educators are a principal and knowledgeable source of food safety and food preservation information.  

Idaho families are negatively impacted by consumer debt, bankruptcy, fraud, and lack of retirement planning.  Extension educators deliver money management education to youth and adult audiences in areas of credit use, budgeting, saving, debt reduction, insurance and retirement planning to enable them to make sound financial decisions.

A bi-monthly, multi-county newsletter provides information and resources on a broad range of family related topics.  Email for your subscription to this free newsletter.

Families must deal with important inter-personal relationships.  Many of these issues must be addresses simultaneously.  Families are raising children while balancing work and family life.  They may be caring for aging relatives and dealing with financial crises.  Extension educators work with family members of all ages, helping them cope with the many demands placed on them. Use these links to obtain information.

An extensive library of educational resources is available for purchase at a nominal fee.  Many are also available to check out from the Minidoka County Extension office at no charge.  The University of Idaho extension resources provide concise, unbiased, research-based information and recommendations on a wide range of topics.  General categories in Family and Consumer Science include clothing, family finance, family living, food and nutrition, home furnishings, equipment, and products.  To obtain a publication catalog or to purchase publications, contact us by email or the University of Idaho College of Agriculture publications.

Extension Nutrition Program

This free educational program is designed for families and individuals with qualifying income.  Classes are designed for one on one or groups and are taught by nutrition advisors trained by the University of Idaho.

Classes, Workshops, and Presentations

Educational programs developed to address issues and respond to local needs are taught throughout the year.  For more information, to register for a class or workshop, or to request an educational presentation for a specific group or organization, call us at 208-436-7184 or email.   Check our Calendar for dates and times.  Some programs scheduled for 2007 include:

Got Calcium

Nutrition education is critical for the health and well being of children.  Children and teens have the best opportunity to build defenses against osteoporosis, but instead of drinking milk, they’re consuming soda pop and fruit-flavored drinks.  Twin Falls Extension Educator Rhea Lanting is making a difference in students’ choices with nutrition education at the third grade level.

Healthy Diabetes Plate

37,000 Idahoans are already diagnosed with diabetes and an estimated 18,500 have it unknowingly.  "Healthy Diabetes Plate" is a cooking school program for people with diabetes and their families.  In addition to nutrition and health tips several recipes are shared with the participants at each session by Twin Falls County Extension Educator Rhea Lanting.  Now is the time to take charge of your diabetes.

Welcome To The Real World

This is an active, hands-on real-life simulation which gives young people the opportunity to explore career opportunities and make lifestyle and budget choices similar to those adults face on a daily basis.  After investigating potential careers, program participants receive a monthly salary for their chosen career and then proceed through the Real World activity, deducting taxes, determining a savings amount, and spending their monthly “salary” on the necessary and luxury items that reflect the career and lifestyle they have chosen.  This program is available for schools, youth groups, and other organizations by calling 208-436-7184 or email us.

Master Food Preservers

Food safety is a major concern of consumers today.  By using up-to-date, reliable home food preservation information, you can help insure the safety of the food you preserve at home.  Newest techniques and recommendations will be discussed by Cassia County Extension Educator Grace Wittman.  Participants agree to donate 30 hours of volunteer time, for more information call 208-436-7184 or email  us.

The University of Idaho provides equal opportunity in education and employment on the basis of race, color religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam-Era veteran as required by state and federal laws. In compliance with the Americans with disabilities Act of 1990, those requesting reasonable accommodations for a class need to contact our office one week prior to the class at 85 East Baseline, Minidoka County Fairgrounds/McGregor Center, Rupert, ID 83350 - 

phone: 208-436-7184 or email.