Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS, though traditionally called Home Economics) is the profession and field of study that deals with the economics and management of the home and community. In the Tri River Area this position covers many topics including: food safety, nutrition, wellness, Cottage Foods Act, food preservation, canning gauge testing and food systems work. To join our Family and Consumer Science mailing list, please email Ann.Duncan@colostate.edu and include your name, email address, and mailing address.

Contact the Extension Area Specialist

Ann Duncan, MS, RDN Family & Consumer Science Area Specialist

Email: ann.duncan@colostate.edu
Phone: 970-249-3935

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Homesteading:

• Homesteading the Western Slope is a collaborative effort between Colorado State University Extension and The Western Colorado Homestead Collective. As a team we aim to empower individuals on the Western Slope to embrace self-sufficiency, increase knowledge and foster community collaboration.
  Presenters at this event are volunteering their time to share their knowledge with you and are made up of community members, local experts and producers. They will be presenting on a variety of topics including home food preservation, soil, composting, gardening, fermented foods, mushroom foraging, orchard management, livestock, poultry and many other topics.
  This conference will provide participants with knowledge, connections and rural living skills that will aid them in being more self-sufficient in an ever changing world.
  For speaker spotlights and event updates please go to our Facebook page. 
  • October 4, 2025 at Montrose County Event Center @ 8:30am
    • Register Online
    • For any questions, give us a call 970-249-3935

Food Insecurity:

• Community Alliance for Hunger Relief and Education
  • We form partnerships unified under the goal of increasing the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. To this end, we:
    • Increase community access to fruits and vegetables through our farm-to-foodbank program;
    • Change knowledge of and attitudes towards fresh produce by providing hands-on learning on our farm and in our teaching kitchen; and
    • Grow healthy communities by providing opportunities for civic service and supporting initiatives that work to decrease hunger and food insecurity.
    • Learn about volunteer opportunities and more by clicking here.

Food Preservation:

• Considerations to Preserving Food – Facebook Live
• Canning in Colorado 101 – Video
•  Water Bath Canning in Colorado – Video
•  Freezing Fruits and Vegetables – Video
• Canning
  • Learn the basics of canning and food preservation.
    • Upcoming Classes: TBD

• Preserve @ Home
  • Preserve @ Home provides research based food preservation education across geographical barriers. Participants learn how to produce high quality preserved foods and the science behind food preservation and food safety. Individuals with little or no previous food preservation experience are welcome. Anyone with an interest in food preservation and food safety can enroll in Preserve @ Home.
    • Upcoming Classes: TBD

• Canning Pressure Gauge Testing – in person.
  • Bring in your dial gauge pressure canner lids to one of our Tri River Area county offices. Gauge accuracy will be tested and recommendations made regarding proper canning times and procedures. It is best practice to test your lid every year. This helps to ensure you are canning at the proper pressure to prevent botulism. Botulism is a rare, but serious disease associated with canned products. Information on botulism. 
    • Upcoming classes: TBD

 Food Safety:

• Food Safety Works:
  • Learn the basics of handling food safely and earn a 2 year certificate. This course is in compliance with Montrose, Delta, Ouray and Mesa County Health Departments. Take it online and on-demand by calling our office. 970-249-3935.
• Cottage Food Producers:
  • The Colorado Legislature passed the Cottage Foods Act that set food safety standards for small-scale, cottage food enterprises. To be in compliance with this act, individuals must take a food safety course to learn how to safely produce and handle food within the home and at the point of sale. Receive a 3 year certification today! For a list of online classes, look at Eventbrite and search CSU Extension Colorado Cottage Foods or click here.
    • Upcoming classes (in-person): TBD
• ServSafe:
  • Take the manager level certification in order to be in compliance with the Food Code and your local health department regulations.  This is a high level, nationally recognized program that prepares individuals for a career in hospitality or food service. See below for options and available testing dates. All classes and testing dates are available on first come basis and pre-registration is required. No in-person classes available for summer of 2025 — see ServSafe website for additional options.
  • Proctoring: Available upon request.
  • Additional classes and options:
    • ServSafe Info- Click here

Helpful YouTube Channels & Videos:

Bridging System Gaps to Fight Hunger

FCS Knowledge Channel