Family & Consumer Sciences

SDSU Research and Cooperative Extension Service are committed to providing knowledge to assist families in improving their lives to make decision that positively improve their health, financial sustainability and ultimately contribute to their community. The Family Consumer Sciences Extension program utilizes research-based information focusing on the following area of emphasis based on the needs of South Dakotans’:  

• Strengthening the family by providing evidence based parenting programs, family communication strategies, and quality child-care.
• Aging population needs are addressed through healthy aging programs, promoting age-friendly communities, and connecting with community resources.
• Promoting health through nutrition and physical activity practices for individuals, families and communities; and provide focused programs to audiences with limited resources through the EFNEP and FNP programs.
• Financial Sustainability educational opportunities for positive financial practices, SD saves campaign, health insurance/Medicare part D, and sustainable practices (Go-Green) in the home and community.
• Safe food handling practices educational programs focusing on consumers, foodservice operations, food preservation, food entrepreneurs, and food safety related virtual lab experiences.