UMaine Extension offers free hands-on gardening and nutrition program for young families

Caribou, Maine — University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) will offer a free, hands-on gardening and nutrition education series for young adults and adults with children in the household at the Caribou Parks and Rec Maintenance Shop at 903 Main Street in Caribou. The first session will be at 10 a.m. on June 24 (rain date June 25) and will continue weekly through the summer. The final schedule will be determined by the workshop educator and the participants.

In this series of hands-on gardening and nutrition sessions, participants will learn more about gardening and growing their own food. Each family will have a raised bed garden on-site and access to all necessary garden materials. The program will cover a range of topics, including food safety and cooking techniques that maximize nutrition while minimizing costs. Participants who complete all classes will also receive free cooking tools.

This gardening and nutrition series is a collaborative effort between UMaine Extension and Caribou Parks and Recreation, who share a common goal of promoting healthy eating habits and enhancing food preparation skills. EFNEP, a Federal Extension program offered in every state, uses education to help participants achieve goals of self-sufficiency, nutritional health and well-being. Through hands-on learning, applied science and program data, EFNEP ensures effectiveness, efficiency and accountability.

Registration is required. Space is limited to four families. To register or to request reasonable accommodation, contact Laurie Colton, laurie.colton@maine.edu, 207-249-4688.

This EFNEP class series is intended for residents of Aroostook County who live in Caribou. For more information about classes in your area visit the EFNEP class request webpage or email EFNEP extension.efnep@maine.edu. 

University of Maine Cooperative Extension

As a trusted resource for over 100 years, University of Maine Cooperative Extension has supported UMaine’s land and sea grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county. UMaine Extension seeks to build thriving communities and grow the food-based economy, focusing on aspects from production and processing to nutrition, food safety and food security. Extension also conducts the most successful out-of-school youth educational program in Maine through 4-H which offers hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement and creates a positive environment where participants are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.