Douglas-Sarpy@unl.edu

(402) 444-7804

November 2024

Extension is Helping Fostering Economic Development

Cottage foods provide a fantastic opportunity for individuals to engage in small-scale food production, strengthen community connections, and promote healthier, locally sourced options. Learn more at Cottage Food Law.

Before starting their new business venture, aspiring cottage food producers must complete an accredited food safety training course. Nebraska Extension offers these classes in a convenient, self-paced online format. Sign up today at Online Course.

When neighbors trade with one another, money stays within the local economy!

To date, our Nebraska Extension Educators have taught 2,090 entrepreneurs.

Community Partner - Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition

Food relates to health, but it also speaks to culture and family traditions. Nebraska Extension’s Nutrition Education Program (NEP) works to provide healthy and meaningful food experiences to its participants. While NEP has been collaborating with the Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition (NUIHC) in Omaha for several years, effort began in September to identify new recipes that would increase the cultural relevance of the foods prepared and tasted in nutrition classes serving Indigenous participants. 

NEP staff have prepared and tasted recipes with the Tired Moccasins Elder Group that meet regularly at the NUIHC. Amidst a room full of talking and crafts, 10-15 elders of various Tribal nations share stories of who taught them how to cook, or in some cases how they learned on their own. Together they share food, discuss our opinions of recipes considering taste, texture, traditions, and health value. As well as review cookbooks and recipe pamphlets written by Native chefs to give inspiration to the next group of recipes to test together. Elders were curious about cooking fish, wojapi (a berry sauce), herbal teas, and new ways to use canned foods in their cooking.  



Before using a recipe in a community class, the NEP team considers availability of ingredients, cost, method of preparation, and nutritional value. We also consider the cultural relevance of recipes to NEP participants. Seeking feedback from elders that carry the experience and understanding of traditional practices will better inform our nutrition program practices and materials. 

Explore cooking tips and recipes from Nebraska Extension at food.unl.edu.

Exploring 4-H School Enrichment: Engaging Youth through Hands-On Learning

By incorporating 4-H in the Classroom's science activities, teachers can spark students’ curiosity and interest in science, fostering greater engagement and achievement. Our programs promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, providing teachers with valuable resources to engage students in these critical fields.

Sign your classroom up for our STEM programs here.

Grow Your Passion: Become a Nebraska Master Gardener!

The Nebraska Master Gardener program is a horticulture-focused volunteer training initiative. Applications for the Master Gardener program are only available at our informational meetings. These meetings provide essential information about the qualifications needed for acceptance into the internship program. All Master Gardener

Intern applicants must attend one of the following meetings:

• November 15, 2024, at 6:30 PM at the Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties Central Office, 8015 West Center Road, Omaha
• November 16, 2024, at 9:30 AM at Sump Memorial Library, 222 N. Jefferson Street, Papillion

Interviews for applicants will be conducted at a later date. Select applicants are invited to intern in the Douglas-Sarpy County Master Gardener Program.

Meeting details are subject to change. For updates and more information, visit https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/master-gardener/

Addressing Nebraska’s Childcare Crisis

In the latest episode of The Good Life in Early Life podcast, we chat with Claire Wiebe, campaign manager of the We Care for Kids campaign. Claire and her team, along with over 120 community partners, are tackling Nebraska’s childcare crisis by advocating for quality early childhood education and increased state investment.

Did you know that 74% of Nebraska families with children under six have both parents working, compared to 68% nationally? Furthermore, the median wage for early childhood educators in Nebraska is just $17 an hour—below the poverty line for a family of three!

Tune in to hear Claire’s insights and listen to real stories from Nebraskans about the challenges and creative solutions surrounding childcare in our state at  https://mediahub.unl.edu/channels/44233

Find more childcare resources at: child.unl.edu

Join the 4-H Team in Omaha!

Are you passionate about youth development and making a positive impact in your community? 4-H is seeking dedicated individuals to join our team! If you love empowering young people and fostering leadership skills, we want to hear from you!

We are hiring two 4-H Extension Assistants. Don’t miss this rewarding opportunity—apply by November 4, 2024.

Ready to inspire the next generation? Apply today and help us create a brighter future at https://employment.unl.edu/postings/93546.

Program Highlight - Next Chapter

Next Chapter at Nebraska, a collaboration between the Office of Admissions and Nebraska Extension 4-H Youth Development, equips youth with skills to prepare for life after high school graduation. Students meet regularly with advisers to explore college and career options while developing skills for their chosen pathways.

Participating students engage in lessons across four pillars: career exploration, academic skills, college exploration, and wellness and community engagement. Career exploration helps students identify and research potential majors or career paths, including the degree requirements and preparations needed. The academic skills component offers tips on time management and effective study habits. College exploration assists students in finding the right school for them, covering essential steps like applying for admission, researching scholarships, and completing the FAFSA. Wellness and community engagement includes a service learning project to foster involvement in their community.

Learn more about this impactful program here.

See more about 4-H and learn how to get your children involved here.

Learn more about horticulture and the 4-H programs by signing up for our Newsletters:

• Monthly Horticulture Newsletter by emailing Rachel here.
• Weekly 4-H Newsletter by emailing 4-H here.



Pictured is our Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Quilt club. They are putting together a charity quilt at each meeting. They are hoping to get enough made for a queen size quilt to donate to Girls Inc!

Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties

8015 West Center Road, Omaha

402-444-7804

go.unl.edu/douglassarpyext 

Email us at douglas-sarpy@unl.edu

Our south office is located at 1102 E. 1st St., Papillion, NE 68046.

Call 402-444-7804 to schedule an appointment at our Papillion Office.

Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made to Douglas-Sarpy County Extension at 402-444-7804 or douglas-sarpy@unl.edu

Nebraska Extension education programs abide with the non-discrimination policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United State Department of Agriculture.