Alfalfa County Cooperative Extension News

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1 October / November 2013 Alfalfa County Cooperative Extension News Strengthening Oklahoma Families Smart Snacks in Schools is USDA s initiative in 2014 Oklahoma children spend a number of hours each day in school, and for some, the foods served there are a child s best link to nutritious options. The United States Department of Agriculture will be introducing a new initiative called Smart Snacks in School which takes effect July 1, This is an effort to regulate the types of foods and beverages available to children on the school s campus during the day, said Deana Hildebrand, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension nutrition specialist. These new standards, required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, will allow schools to offer healthier snack foods to children, while limiting junk food, Hildebrand said. The health of today s school environment continues to improve. Students all across the country are now offered healthier school lunches containing more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. She added the Smart Snacks in School standards will build on those healthy advancements that have been made over the past several years to help ensure children are offered tasty and nutritious foods during the school day. There are a number of nutrition standards for foods that must be met with the new guidelines. Any food sold in schools must be a whole grain-rich grain product; or have the first ingredient listed as a fruit, vegetable, dairy product or protein; or be a combination food that contains at least ¼ cup fruit and/or vegetable; or contain 10 percent of the Daily Value (DV) of calcium, potassium, vitamin D or dietary fiber. In addition, snack items must be 200 calories or less and entrée items cannot exceed 350 calories. Sodium, fat and sugar also are limited in both snack and entrée items. Other items such as cream cheese, salad dressing and butter must be included in the nutrient profile. Hildebrand said all schools may sell plain water, unflavored low fat milk, unflavored or flavored fat free milk, 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice and 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice diluted with water and no added sweeteners. Sizes of beverages also are regulated. Elementary schools may sell up to 8- ounce portions, and middle and high schools are allowed to sell up to 12-ounce portions of milk or juice, she said. When it comes to fundraising, the sale of food items that meet nutritional requirements are not limited under the standards. However, the standards do not apply during non-school hours, weekends or at off-campus fundraising events. Although the regulations don t take effect until next year, school leaders, school organizations and community partners should start thinking now about how these new regulations might impact their fundraising efforts and possibly seek out new opportunities for staying within the regulations without jeopardizing their financial needs, Hildebrand said. Alfalfa Co. Cooperative Extension Service Special points of interest: Gluten Free Diets 2013 Holiday Happenings OHCE News & Notes 4-H Clover Connections Eastern Red Cedar Water Usage OQBN Sale Inside this issue: OHCE News & Notes 4 Marland Mansion Tour 6 4-H Benefit Dinner 9 4-H Share the Fun Entry 11 4-H Achievement Banquet 12 Prussic Acid Poisoning 14 OQBN Sale 15

2 Page 2 Alfalfa County Cooperative Extension News Gluten-free diets not for everyone With the rising popularity of gluten-free diets and the wide variety of products catering to the lifestyle, it might make you wonder if you are missing out on something important. For most of us, the short answer to that question is no, said Janice Hermann, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension nutrition specialist. Gluten-free diets are designed for individuals with specific diagnosed medical conditions, she said. In fact, because gluten is found in so many foods, unnecessarily cutting it out of your diet may lead to deficiencies in important nutrients you d normally get from enriched and fortified cereals, breads and pastas. Gluten refers to proteins found in certain grains such as wheat, rye and barley. Because it enhances the taste and texture of foods, it is added to items like deli meats and French fries. For the majority of people, gluten is absolutely harmless, said Marcy Wichert, Alfalfa County FCS Extension Educator. However, there is a small percentage of the population that cannot tolerate these proteins. About 1 percent of Americans battle celiac disease, an autoimmune condition that causes the body s immune system to release antibodies that attack the intestines. The symptoms can be unpleasant gas, bloating, diarrhea and weight loss or gain. If left untreated, the condition could lead to complications such as anemia, osteoporosis and neurological disorders. Another estimated 6 percent of Americans are affected by non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), which also involves the immune system reacting to gluten, but does not produce dangerous antibodies. The only treatment for celiac disease and NCGS is a gluten-free diet, said Wichert. If you suspect you have either of these conditions, consult your health care provider. However, if your goal is to lose weight or just maintain a healthy lifestyle, and you do not have a medical condition that prevents you from eating foods containing gluten, a well-balanced diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables and features lean protein sources should help do the trick. The website offers easy-tofollow, age-appropriate guidelines and recommendations to encourage weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Also, check with your local county Extension office for helpful resources, including related fact sheets ( and classes. Gluten-free diets aren t for everyone, Wichert said. Outside a medical condition like celiac disease that requires a specific diet, for good health, there isn t really a substitute or short cut around eating right and exercising regularly.

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4 Page 4 Alfalfa County Cooperative Extension News October / November 2014 OHCE Leader Lessons We are in the process of collecting ideas for the 2014 OHCE Leader Lesson s if you have a topic that is of interest to you or your group, please submit them to the Extension Office by Oct. 25 th. October s Leader Lesson Super Foods will be presented on Friday, October 25th at 2 pm in the Civic Room at the Courthouse. Karen Armbruster, FCS Extension Educator from Woods County will be the presenter. Holiday Happenings Mark your calendars and get ready for an educational filled day of activities on Friday, November 15 th from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Major County Fairgrounds. We plan to car pool so call if you need a ride. OHCE 2014 Enrollment Membership dues of $12.00 should have been collected by local treasurer and sent to county treasurer Loretta Sharp by now. If not please do so immediately. Don t forget, local treasurers need to provide a copy of new member s enrollment to the Extension Office and one to the county treasurer Loretta Sharp. Copies can be made at the Extension Office. If you have further questions about OHCE dues please call the Extension Office SPECIAL THANKS TO SUPERINTENDENTS AND ASSISTANTS FOR MAKING THE 2013 ALFALFA COUNTY FREE FAIR A GREAT SUCCESS! Blood Drive, November 14 th, 2013 We will be having a Blood Drive Thursday November 14 th, 2013 at the Alfalfa County Exhibit Building. Please send your donor list to Loretta Sharp, RR 2 Box 83A, Cherokee Oklahoma Each group needs to donate $20.00 to help pay expenses and provide a worker. Send $20.00 to Loretta Sharp, OHCE County Treasurer, RR 2 Box 83A, Cherokee, Oklahoma Work Schedule If your group is not going to send a worker please notify the extension office or the blood drive chairman 9:00a.m. 12:00p.m Domes-Ti-Kates 12:00a.m. 3:00p.m WheatHearts 3:00p.m. 6:00p.m Farmerettes Blood Drive Chairman, Loretta Sharp, Farmerettes

Page 5 Alfalfa County Cooperative Extension October / November Christmas Open Housing Tour Farmerettes OHCE group is planning a Christmas Open Housing Tour December 1st. Watch for more details!

If you are the lesson leader for your group and can not attend the Holiday Happening s, the lesson All about Poinsettia's will be available for pickup in the Extension Office.

5 Page 5 Alfalfa County Cooperative Extension October / November Christmas Open Housing Tour Farmerettes OHCE group is planning a Christmas Open Housing Tour December 1st. Watch for more details! November s Leader Lesson is being replaced with Holiday Happening s on Friday, November 15th from 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. at Major County Fairgrounds. Make plans now to attend. If you are the lesson leader for your group and can not attend the Holiday Happening s, the lesson All about Poinsettia's will be available for pickup in the Extension Office. OHCE Fall Association Meeting October 22, 2013 Theme: Eat Wheat 6:15p.m. Registration---- WheatHearts Hostess Farmerettes Call to order Nancy Lambert Introduction of guest Nancy lambert Flag Salute/Creed Elisa Crowder 6:30p.m. Blessing and devotion Connie LaGrow Meal (Everyone bring a salad or desserts) Program Roll Call / Minutes Wilda Flaming Treasurer Report Loretta Sharp Proposed Budget Loretta Sharp Booth Awards Farmers Exchange Bank State Awards Recognition Marcy Wichert County Committee Reports for 2013 Resource Management Jet Industrious Family Issues WheatHearts Healthy Living Farmerettes Blood Drive Farmerettes, Loretta Sharp Culture Enrichment Domes-Ti-Kates Membership Executive Officers Flower Show Farmerettes, Marguerite McMurtrey Raising Young Readers Connie LaGrow Family Fun Fair Nancy Lambert Yearbook Elisa Crowder OHCE Fair Changes Elisa Crowder Door Prizes Registration Group WheatHearts Unfinished Business Communications and Bills New Business Proposed Budget for 2014 / Vote to Approve Election of Officers President President Elect & Secretary Elect President s Report Nancy Lambert Installation of Officers Marcy Wichert Adjournment Nancy Lambert

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Strengthening Oklahoma Families

Page 1 Strengthening Oklahoma Families February 2016 New dietary guidelines encourage healthy eating In an effort to encourage Americans to improve their health and well-being and reduce the risk of chronic