The Extension Connection

In this episode of The Extension Connection Podcast, Jessica Jackson, Polk County 4-H Agent, explores the myth that 4-H has to be expensive. Through stories from Cooking Week, a fun grocery store budgeting challenge, and a surprisingly delicious Depression Chocolate Cake, you'll discover how 4-H teaches lifelong skills like budgeting, decision-making, confidence, and problem-solving—all without breaking the bank. Whether you're a longtime 4-H family or simply curious about getting involved, this episode will show you that some of the biggest life lessons come from the simplest experiences.

In this episode, we'll explore our local farmers markets and discuss how you can use your SNAP benefits at the Polk County Farmers Market to access fresh, locally grown foods.

Resources: 

NC State Local Foods:  https://localfood.ces.ncsu.edu/local-food-marketing-markets/local-food-farmers-markets/

Polk County Agricultural Economics Department: https://www.facebook.com/polkcountyfarms/

More in My Basket: https://morefood.org/

More in My Basket Phone number: 

English & Português: 1-855-240-1451

Español: 1-888-382-7105

In this episode of The Extension Connection Podcast, Jessica Jackson explores how generational strengths and learning styles shape the way we work, teach, and connect with others. Drawing from her experiences as a 4-H agent, she shares stories from summer programming, discusses visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles, and reflects on her own results from the NC State Learning Styles Assessment. Whether you're a parent, volunteer, educator, or lifelong learner, this episode offers practical insights on embracing differences and helping others succeed through understanding how they learn best.

link to 

In this episode, we will explore the food label and learn how to interpret the information found on both the front and back of food packages. We will also define common nutrition claims such as "fat-free," "low sugar," and other labeling terms to help you better understand what they mean. Join us as we break down the food label and discover how understanding nutrition information can help you make healthier, more informed food choices.

Resources: 

Resources: https://burke.ces.ncsu.edu/food-standards-certification-labeling-video-series/

https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/blog/organic-101-what-usda-organic-label-means

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-I/subchapter-M/part-205/subpart-G/subject-group-ECFR0ebc5d139b750cd

https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/food-packaging-claims

https://ncefnep.org/reading-nutrition-facts-labels/

This week on the Extension Connection Podcast, Jessica Jackson with 4-H is talking all about why summer is more than just time out of school—it’s a season for growth. From Safe Sitter and CPR classes to fair projects, camps, and hands-on learning, we’ll chat about the life skills young people build along the way—things like confidence, responsibility, leadership, and resilience that don’t always show up on a report card but make a lasting impact for years to come.

Welcome back to part three of our Home Maintenance series, where we dive into outdoor home maintenance and the key things you should be inspecting once a year to keep your home in good working condition. Follow along as we walk through a top-down list of essential annual tasks.

Resources: https://healthyhomes.ces.ncsu.edu/

https://www.fcs.uga.edu/docs/HomeMaintChecklist_update_6.21.pdf

https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/preventative-home-maintenance