Family and Consumer Sciences
As the Senior Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent, Sarah Burkett works primarily with families and youth in Pulaski to provide research-based educational programs. The Extension Leadership Council and Family and Consumer Sciences Advisory Council identify community issues and problems this agent should address. Since foods, nutrition and health is her specialty area she receives numerous training requests in the areas of: adult programs to diminish disease risks, an in-school nutrition program for all second and third graders and adult/youth health and fitness programs. She also provides three food safety training certification courses for restaurant managers, food service workers and temporary food vendors. In the area of family financial management she provides educational materials and trainings on basic financial management for the general public, Social Services and NRV Cares. In the area of human development she serves on Pulaski’s Family Assessment and Planning Team and the Community Policy and Management Team to help access resources to assist Pulaski youth and families. She also provides parenting programs requested by other agencies, church groups, PTO groups and other civic organizations. To market programs available and share educational information with the public she maintains a weekly newspaper column, and radio program. She networks with other area professionals and agencies such as: two local hospitals, area dietitians, child care centers, Social Services, schools, church groups, NRV jail, senior groups, recreation centers, parent groups, teacher in-service for teachers and Head Start staff. She also has the opportunity to be involved with research projects with extension specialists, and faculty and students at New River Community College, Radford University and Virginia Tech because of her proximity to these institutions.
Program Offerings:
School Nutrition Series for Second and Third Graders in Pulaski County
Money Management Classes
Food Safety Trainings (ServSafe Essentials, Serve Safe Foods and Cooking for Crowds)
Parenting Programs
Adult, Nutrition and Health Programs to Diminish Disease Risks
Child Care Staff Development Trainings
Senior Nutrition Programs
Youth Nutrition Programs