NASSAU COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE MAY REPORT
The University of Florida (UF) administers the Florida Cooperative Extension Service. The Nassau County Extension Service is a partnership between the University of Florida and the county government, providing research-based knowledge and expertise to the public.
The Nassau County Extension provides research-based knowledge in the following 4 Areas:
- Family and Consumer Sciences
- 4-H Positive Youth Development
- Natural Resources and Agriculture
- Horticulture
Nassau County Extension Service May 2021 Quick Summary
Total Educational Programs/Activities: 93
Total Participants: 1,060
Total Educational Publications: 15
Total Reach through Educational Publications: 62,966
Total Return of Investment (Savings to County): $31,167
NASSAU COUNTY 4-H YOUTH HORSE SHOW SUCCESS
On May 7-8, six Nassau County 4-H members competed at the Area North District Horse Show, half of which for the first time! Thanks to a generous sponsorship by Nassau County Farm Bureau these youth did not have to pay a single penny for this experience. All six youth qualified to show at the State Horse Show in July, with Jack Nostrem even winning overall Jr. Western Reserve Champion!
EXTENSION HELPS ENTREPRENEUR
Kristy and her husband decided to make a lifestyle change when their two daughters left for college last fall. After careful research, they decided to own and operate an ice cream franchise. They were new to owning a business and needed guidance about running a food business and the required licenses and permits. The first task was for Kristy to obtain her Food Manager’s Certification, so she turned to Nassau County Extension Service’s Agent Meg McAlpine, who teaches the Food Manager’s Certification Class. In May, Kristy attended the 6-hour review class and took the 2 hour – 95 question exam. She successfully passed, scored a 94%, and received her certification!
Throughout the day, Kristy began to share her vision for her business. Still, she had questions regarding catering, keeping the product safe at farmers’ markets, and food safety training for future employees. Ms. McAlpine answered her food safety-related questions, but not the entrepreneurship questions. Ms. McAlpine knew UF/IFAS Extension Service could help Kristy by connecting her to Specialist Matt Krug. Matt is the UF/IFAS Extension Services Entrepreneurship Specialist. He facilitates extension programming around the state of Florida in the areas of food safety, food regulations, and food entrepreneurship. Kristy contacted Matt and received the information she needed in order to start her off-site catering, which would jump-start her storefront business. Below are some of Kristy’s comments regarding Matt and the food safety class.
“I was able to speak with Matt. I’ll have to get a catering license and store products in a commercial kitchen. I reached out to a couple of kitchens yesterday, so I’m now waiting to hear from them. I would like to thank you for the instruction of the Food Service Manager class. I learned so much from you and was able to connect the ServSafe® book to real-life scenarios, especially ones pertaining to my new ice cream business.
Thanks, also, for taking the extra time to make sure I understood the material. I would definitely recommend you to others trying to receive the certification.”