Educational and Digital Resources
In any given month over 800,000 Texans searched health, nutrition, diet, or food on the internet. However, there is a critical need for evidence based nutrition information on the internet. Responsible social media messages are: clear, current, and consistent with peer review science. Extension online learning opportunities offer another option in addition to traditional workshops and face to face methods of programming.
Members of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Food and Nutrition Unit developed online courses, Facebook pages, YouTube videos, and informational graphics (infographics) to reach nontraditional audiences. Online courses offer convenience for clients seeking required professional development opportunities. Professional development courses for food service workers, nutrition educators, and childcare givers were developed. Topics included food safety, child nutrition, obesity as well as other general and trending nutrition topics.
Online Nutrition Courses
AgriLife Learn
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service provides an extensive catalog of online courses, with new courses being added every month. The Food and Nutrition Unit provides many courses for professionals seeking to fulfill state-mandated requirements, as well as for the general public interested in learning more about a variety of topics. Course enrollment is free of charge. Available courses include:
- An Introduction to Family Nutrition #1-6: (Overview; Baby’s First Year; Toddlers, Preschoolers & Children; Tweens and Teens; Adults; Aging Boomers and the Elderly)
- Belly Fat
- Build Your Bones: Osteoporosis – Prevention and Treatment
- Celiac Disease and the Gluten-Free Lifestyle
- Cooking up a Cottage Food Business
- DASHing Your Way to Improved Health
- Food Safety in the Classroom
- Mini Talks about Mini Folks: Frequently Asked Questions on Child Nutrition
- Nutrition Essentials #1-6: (Overview; Carbohydrates; Protein; Fat; Vitamins; Water, alcohol & other beverages)
- Old Wives’ Tales: Myths about Feeding Children
- The What, Why, and How of a Mediterranean-Style Eating Pattern
Online Food Safety Courses
We also provide online courses for those working with food in retail or cottage industries:
- Texas Food Handlers Certification course, accredited by Texas Department of State Health Services
- Cooking up a Cottage Food Business, for those who want to start a cottage food production operation out of their residence
Food and Nutrition Infographics
Our food and nutrition infographics (informational graphics) provide a new, fresh, and visual way to learn about current nutrition topics. Check back regularly for new infographics.
Nutrition
Food Face-Off
Basic Nutrition
- Added Sugars (PDF)
- Caffeine (PDF)
- Caffeine (Printer-Friendly Version) (PDF)
- Fat is Up to Bat (PDF)
- Spying Out Sodium (PDF)
- Meal Planner (PDF)
Food Preservation
Food Safety
We also provide dozens of Home Food Safety publications. Examples include:
- Food Safety for Food Vendors
- Food Safety for Tailgates, Parties, and Picnics
- Guide to Picking Produce
- Rules and Regulations for Farmers Markets in Texas
- Safe Handling of Produce
- Selling Back Yard Eggs in Texas
- Selling Honey in Texas
Extension Social Media
In any given month over 800,000 Texans searched health, nutrition, diet, or food on the internet. However, there is a critical need for evidence-based nutrition information. We provide solutions to these searches by providing evidence-based nutrition information on our different social media channels. Subscribe and like for regular updates from our subject matter specialists.
Food and Nutrition Unit – YouTube
Subscribe to get short, evidence-based videos about food and nutrition topics relevant to you. Our videos are easy to understand and are a fresh, visual way to learn about current nutrition topics. Most videos are accompanied by an infographic.
Food and Nutrition Unit – Facebook
Like our page to be the first to know about the release of new videos and infographics. We also post about when fruits and vegetables are in season in Texas, and other useful food and nutrition information.
Better Living for Texans – Facebook
Like our page to learn more about how we help Texans stretch their food dollars, prepare more nutritious meals, practice food safety, and increase their amount of physical activity.
Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) – Facebook
Like our page for information and to stay up to date with what we are doing to help limited resource families acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and changed-behaviors necessary for nutritionally sound diets.
Food Protection Management (FPM) Program – Facebook
Like our page to learn more about food safety news, tips and tricks, and recalls of foods in Texas. We also update our page regularly with course information, cost, dates and locations of our Certified Food Manager courses.
Food Protection Management (FPM) Program – Twitter
Follow our profile for the latest updates about food safety recalls in Texas, food safety tips for all types of holidays and occasions, and more.
LIFE 101 (Learning Information From Extension) – Facebook
Like our page to learn about which classes we are holding at Texas A&M University to help college students transition into adulthood. We also update our page regularly with health tips for college students, as well as provide evidence-based answers to questions asked during our Ask-a-Thon’s.