Family and Consumer Sciences

The goal of family and consumer sciences programming is to improve the quality of life for adults, children and families through research-based information, specifically in these areas:

• Healthy lifestyles
• Nutrition
• Food safety
• Financial management

Classes Available

Classes will take place at the University of Idaho Extension office at the fairgrounds in Pocatello, 10560 N Fairgrounds Rd. Building A. We'll test your pressure canner lid for free when you attend a class.

Payment reserves your spot in the class. Call the office at 208-236-7310, come in, or email khickok@uidaho.edu.

Hands-on Instruction. Pay what you can, $10-20

Pies! (1.5 hours)

Call for date/time

From crust to filling. You will learn how to make and store a crust and pressure can pie filling. Participants will leave with a pie ready for storing for the busy holiday season. Bring your pressure canner lid or gauge to be tested for free.

Limit 15

Freeze now, cook later (2 hours)

6–8 p.m. Tuesday, November 8

This class will show how simple it can be to prep meals for the freezer. You will help prep ingredients for two delicious meals and a dessert and take it home ready for the freezer. We will talk about nutrition, easy ingredient swaps, and more.

Limit 10

Canning Workshop $40

Spring 2023 (call to reserve a spot)

Home food preservation is a cost-effective way to feed your family. It allows you to know what’s in your food. Class members will have hands-on practice preserving in the UI Extension office kitchen and take home one food item each week. The five-week course will be offered in Spring 2023. Please call our office if you are interested in a basic canning class and we will add you to the list.

Limit 12 per class.

During the five-week course, you will learn

• Food preservation basics
• Boiling water bath canning for high acid foods
• Pressure canning for low acid foods
• Drying and freezing
• Pickles and preserves

Informative Classes. Pay what you can $5

Updating Traditional Recipes (1 hour)

9–10 a.m. Tuesday, November 1

Nothing is wrong with tradition, but nothing is wrong with change. This class will look at several comfort food recipes and show you how to make small adjustments to make them even more delicious (and healthy). Meatloaf, spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, burgers/meatballs, green bean casserole, beef stroganoff, and more. Taste testing will occur! This topic may be recorded and offered online.

Picky Eater 101

9:30–10:30 a.m. and 2–3 p.m. Monday, November 7

Are you a frustrated parent at your wit's end? Is your kiddo hot and cold with food? One day they love it, one day they hate it? Learn how to explore foods together and know what normal behavior is. This is an informative class for parents of any age kids.

Baby Led Weaning - Introducing solids safely

—CPR Class
9–11 a.m. OR 6–8 p.m. November 1
—Presentation by Katie, Registered Dietitian and Extension Educator—your baby is welcome to join!
10–11 a.m. November 8

Wait, you can skip purees? This class will introduce parents and caregivers to introducing solid foods to baby. We will answer questions like when can I start offering solids? What to expect? Is there gear I need to get for baby-led weaning? What foods should I start with? You will learn the difference between gagging and choking and how to let your baby take the lead. Caregivers will also have two opportunities to earn an infant/child CPR certification from our friends at Portneuf. You'll leave feeling confident, excited, and ready to start this food introduction journey with your kiddo! Parents/caregivers with 5-6 months olds are encouraged to attend. Baby is more than welcome to join!

Have no fear in the kitchen (1.5 hours)

6–7:30 p.m. Friday, October 28
6–7:30 p.m. Thursday, November 10

This class will help you gain confidence in the kitchen and learn how to prepare food easily. This is an informative hands-on class. Bring a friend.

Nutrition 101

7–8 p.m. Monday, November 14 via Zoom

Join us from the comfort of your home as we explore basic nutrition information. You will be able to review nutrition labels on food packages you have in your cupboard and have your pressing questions answered. This class is great for anyone interested in learning more about how food nourishes your body.

Limit 8

Varied Proteins

Call for time/date

Explore other forms of protein sources. Have you been curious about changing your protein options? Learn ways to vary your protein routine and why this is important.

Under Pressure? Dinner is served. (1 hour)

Call for date/time

Learn how to prepare and pressure cook a vegetable soup and chicken safe for storage. Enjoy a bowl of hearty chicken noodle soup before you head home. Bring your pressure canner lid or gauge to be tested for free.

Dial Pressure Gauge Checks

If you are getting ready to start your canning, remember to bring the dial gauge canner lid to the UI Extension, Bannock County office to be checked for accuracy. This must be done every year before you start canning. If you can year round, set a date and get it tested the same time every year.

Learning Online

Check out the learning events listed at eXtension Learn. Topics include gardening, health, finances and more.