Social Media can be our best friend or our worst enemy when it comes to researching safety protocols regarding the food we consume. Safe Plates Social Media Manager, Candice Christian, discusses the importance of doing research on the content we consume on social media, and encourages us to ask the right questions - “Is this content rooted in research?” “Who am I receiving this information from?” and so much more.

Candice Christian – Extension Associate in Consumer and Retail Food Safety

Finding the perfect balance of exercise and healthy eating can be difficult when first getting started. Dietician Kelly Nordby dives into the Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less and Eat Smart, Move More, Prevent Diabetes programs and how these programs are tailored to each participant’s needs.

Kelly Nordby – Eat Smart, Move Move, Weigh Less/Prevent Diabetes Coordinator

This episode includes candid conversations about sex and relationships for informational purposes. Listener discretion advised.

Should condoms be provided to students in welcome packets when they first arrive at college? Dr. Kami Kosenko joined us to discuss the importance of healthy communication and education surrounding the topic of sex. This episode dives into the various ways sex is taught to us and the components of sex that often get left out. From the topic of abstinence to the harmful effects of media on our sexual health, Dr. Kosenko covers something for everyone.

Kami Kosenko – Associate Professor

How can we enforce preventative measures in childhood to promote healthy habits later in life? Dr. Dara Bloom joined us to discuss the importance of farm to early child education and the benefits of connecting local farmers to early child care centers. Dr. Bloom discusses how teaching children about the importance of fruits and vegetables can be fun and engaging, from arts and crafts to gardening. Dr. Bloom also dives into the different ways communities enjoy supporting their local farmers and how produce stands may be one of the most popular ways to encourage consumers to purchase fresh produce.

Dara Bloom – Associate professor, Local food extension specialist, and assistant director of community-based food systems for CEFS

Should you eat raw cookie dough? Department Head Dr. Benjamin Chapman discusses the ins and outs of staying up to date with food safety and how social media can be used to connect with a wide array of individuals. From restaurant safety to discussing the concerns with ingesting raw cookie dough, Dr. Chapman shares just how vast the world of food can be and what precautions we can take in our own lives to better understand what's on our dinner plate.

Benjamin Chapman, Ph.D. – Department Head, Professor, Food Safety Specialist