An Equal Opportunity Employer and Institution 1

An Educational Partnership Between the Broward County Board of Commissioners and University of Florida Extension / IFAS

U F / I F A S E X T E N S I O N B R O W A R D C O U N T Y

July to September 2019

Volume 2, Number 3

In this Issue

Upcoming Events …………………………………………….2

Edible Bugs & Eating Insects..………………………….2

Cottage Foods...……………………………………………...3

Nutrition Corner…..…………………...…………………...4

From the Desk of Broward

County’s FCS

Extension Agent…

Dear Readers,

Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS)education helps individuals make informed decisions about their well-being and adopt behaviors that develop self-sufficiency re-sulting in stronger families, nurturing neighborhoods, and prosperous communi-ties. FCS brings the resources and knowledge of the University of Florida faculty and staff directly to you locally through our Exten-sion programs in each of the state’s 67 counties. It is like having the University of Florida in your backyard. Here in Broward County, we have helped millions of people over the years apply re-search-based solutions to their homes, businesses, and communities. The Apple Core & More Newsletter is pub-lished quarterly through the Family and Consumer Sciences section to educate in-dividuals and families. We appreciate your feedback and are happy readers are find-ing this information valuable, based on survey data received.

I hope you have a great summer!

Brenda Marty-Jimenez, MHM, RDN, LDN, FCS Extension Education Agent IV

E-mail: bjimenez@ufl.edu

Do you have an idea or nutrition story you’d like to share?

E-Mail: bjimenez@ufl.edu

Visit us on the web at: http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/broward/family-and-consumer-sciences/

SolutionsForYourLife.com

Medicine can help us feel better and improve our health. Medi-cines have a lot of benefits and should be used wisely. If we do not use them sensibly, they can make us feel worse. A medicine is a drug that changes how your body works. There are over the counter (self-prescribed) and prescription medications which are prescribed by a healthcare professional. Medications used safely can lead to a better quality of life. Families and consumers should use medications wisely.

***

What tips should I consider?

• For all medicines, you need to read, understand and follow the directions carefully. Read labels on over the counter medi-cations as well as prescription medications. If the font is too small for you to read, use a magnifying glass.

• Take responsibility for learning about how to take your medi-cations safely.

• Take your medicine as directed. • Set a daily routine. Count your pills and keep them orga-

nized. Use a weekly pill reminder box to help you keep track of medications taken. Pill boxes come in different shapes and sizes. Use the type that works best for you.

• Set an alarm, on your cell phone, as a reminder to take medi-cine.

• Don’t stop taking medications, change the dose, or add medi-cations unless under the direction of your healthcare provider.

• Know when you are running low on a medication, so you can order refills in a timely manner. Write the date you are due for your next refill on your calendar or set a phone alert. We are all busy and these notes can be valuable reminders.

• Make sure you have enough medications, on hand, during hurricane season, which runs from June 1st through Novem-ber 30th.

An Equal Opportunity Employer and Institution 2

August 2, 2019 at 8:45 a.m. –4:30 p.m. Location: UF/IFAS Extension Broward Auditorium Topic: Understanding Florida Cottage Food Law

September 19, 2019 starting at 9 a.m. Location: UF/IFAS Extension Broward Auditorium Topic: ServSafe

October 7, 2019 from 1-4:30 p.m. Location: UF/IFAS Extension Broward Auditorium Topic: Sustainable Agriculture-Food Safety and Cottage Foods

November 14, 2019 starting at 9 a.m. Location: UF/IFAS Extension Broward Auditorium Topic: ServSafe

Every organ and bodily function depends on water. It is in and around your tissues and cells. Drink more water when exercising strenuously. It is good to drink a glass of water when you wake up in the morning, since you have had no

intake of fluids for several hours. If you work outdoors in hot weather, take water with you and drink plenty of water throughout

the day. If you are constipated, increasing your fluid intake can help. If you are increasing you intake of fiber, you should also increase your fluid intake. Drinking plenty of fluids may help prevent urinary tract infections. Drinking fluids may help avoid kidney stones or prevent a recurrence of kidney stones if you are prone to

forming them. Stay properly hydrated to prevent dehydration!

The mission of the Broward County Extension

Division’s Family & Consumer Sciences Program

(FCS) is “to assist families and individuals with

making more satisfying and effective choices in

lifestyle and resource management.” Research-

based curricula is used, and covers a variety of

subjects designed to help those facing limited time

and resources to achieve an improved quality of life.

Insects may play a significant role in food security as the

world’s population continues to grow as does the need for

food. Eating insects is a hot topic and is beyond eating “ants-

on- a -log” made with raisins, celery and peanut butter. We may

need new food sources and food alternatives to sustain the

planet in years to come.

There are cultural and nutritional aspects surrounding the con-

cept of edible insects.

Cultural-Food is deeply rooted into culture and some cul-

tures view eating bugs as taboo and it is a norm for other

cultures. It is estimated that billions of people around the

world do consume insects as part of a traditional diet.

Nutritional-From a nutritional standpoint insects are gener-

ally high in protein and micronutrients such as iron, zinc,

calcium, B12, magnesium and omega fatty acids. (Rumpoid

& Shluter, 2013). Eating insects would broaden the food

source of protein for humans.

Several insect food options are available including food grade crickets for human consumption. I have heard of cricket protein bars, processed crickets, cricket tortilla chips, cricket cookies, flavored meal worms, cricket chili, cinnamon cricket muffins,

and cranberry chocolate cricket bark. Insects are a novel and high protein food ingredient.

As with any food preparation endeavor, food safety at home, needs to be a priority. The basics clean, separate, cook and chill, still apply.

An Equal Opportunity Employer and Institution 3

ALL ABOUT COTTAGE FOODS The Florida Cottage Food Law of 2011 has opened

many opportunities for up-and-coming food entrepre-

neurs in our 67 counties. This allows individuals to

manufacture, sell and store certain types of cottage

food products in an unlicensed home kitchen located

at a personal residence. Cottage food operators

should check with their city or county for any require-

ments that they may have. With growing interest in

local food, the number of cottage food businesses is

expected to continuously increase.

What is the Cottage Food Law?

This is a law that allows small-time

producers to use appliances at home

to manufacture/process low-risk

foods and sell directly to consumers.

The law does prohibit sales over the

internet, by mail order or at whole-

sale. The primary goal of the law is to help small-time

producers/processors to start a food business with

minimal regulatory requirements and/or licenses. The

cottage food law applies to human-grade food only,

not pet treats. There has been an increased demand

for local foods and the law allows individuals to pro-

duce and sell non-potentially hazardous foods made in

their home kitchens, outside of expensive permitting

and licensing procedures. Cottage food operators must

review and be knowledgeable about local cottage food

operation requirements and any updates.

What are the benefits of a cottage food operation?

Local cottage food operations can help the local econo-

my improve, helps entrepreneurs start up new busi-

nesses, and there is more access to local food (s) in the

community.

What are examples of cottage foods?

A cottage food product means food that is not a poten-

tially hazardous food sold by a cottage food operation.

Cottage food may include items such as breads, pop-

corn, popcorn balls, honey, cakes, cookies, jams, jellies,

baked goods, dried herbs or herb mix or candy.

What are potentially hazardous foods?

These are foods that require time/temperature control

for safety to limit pathogenic microorganism growth or

toxin formation.

What about labeling and adherence to the law?

Cottage food products must be labeled specifically in accordance

with the requirements. The label must be affixed to the food prod-

uct when prepackaged and needs to contain required information.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

(FDACS) may investigate complaints received against a cottage food

operation.

How do individuals sell cottage food items?

They may sell cottage foods from their residence directly to the con-

sumer, at farmer’s markets, flea markets and at roadside stands.

How can I learn more about cottage

foods and how to start a cottage

food business in FL?

There is a lot to learn about cottage

foods including the different require-

ments at local levels, labeling, tax

information, and training on food

safety to name a few. Contact your

local extension office to find out

about any up-coming programs. In

Broward County, an event will be

held on August 2, 2019. This work-

shop is intended to provide general information on food safety and

quality, product development, and regulatory requirements for

Florida cottage food operations. The target audience is anyone who

is interested in running his/her own cottage food business in Flori-

da. Registration will soon open online at: https://

ifascottage2019.eventbrite.com

Reference:

FDACS of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Food Safe-ty; Cottage Food Legislation Signed into Law- https://www.freshfromflorida.com/content/download/10223/137606/CottageFoodAdvisoryWithFormNumber.pdf

An Equal Opportunity Employer and Institution 4

WERE ON THE WEB AT:

DISCLAIMER

The information in this community newsletter is for informational purposes only. The Broward County Exten-

sion office and/or the Broward County Board of Commissioners are not engaged in rendering medical advice

or professional services and cannot provide consultation on individual health conditions. The information

provided in this newsletter should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not

a substitute for professional care. If you have or may suspect you have a health problem, you should seek

appropriate medical attention from your health care provider.

The institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function

without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap, or national origin. Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida.

Motivational Moment “Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity

for a kindness.” -Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Think Nutrition During Hurricane Season (June 1st thru November 30th)

Buy early and stock up. Gathering hurricane supplies should be a family affair with input from each member. Everyone has different wants, needs and tastes, so all these need consideration during planning meals and healthy snacks. Set aside some time to design daily menus and the amount of groceries needed for your plan. Think of how it will most likely be hot weather with no electricity, so food choices should require no refrigeration. Plan at least 2 quarts of water per person daily for drinking, and additional water for cooking. Avoid using your hurricane supplies before the storm but use them up after the season is over or donate to a food pantry to avoid the food expiring. SAMPLE DAILY MENU Breakfast orange juice • ready to eat cereal or instant oatmeal • small box of raisins • breakfast bar with fruit • shelf-stable skim milk • tea or coffee Lunch chunky beef soup (ready to eat style that only needs heating) • crackers • carrot & celery sticks • nuts • fruit cup • vanilla wafers • tea or coffee Dinner cheese or peanut butter sandwich • 3-bean salad (canned) • broccoli florets • apple • fat free pudding cup • shelf-stable skim milk • tea or coffee

For additional information please contact:

Brenda Marty-Jimenez, MHM, RDN, LDN, FAND

Broward County Extension Agent IV 3245 College Avenue

Davie, FL 33314-7719 Phone: (954) 756-8522

Email: bjimenez@ufl.edu

U F / I F A S E X T E N S I O N B R O W A R D C O U N T Y

Question: What is entomophagy?

Answer: Entomophagy is the prac-tice of eating insects, especially by people.

http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/broward/family-and-consumer-sciences/