Overview
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
Classes and Programs
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.
- We form partnerships unified under the goal of increasing the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. To this end, we:
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 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:
- May 3, 2023 @ 10am at Orchard Mesa Research Station
- For more information or to register click here
- June 13, 2023 @ 10am Orchard Mesa Research Station
- For more information or to register click here
- May 3, 2023 @ 10am at Orchard Mesa Research Station
- Upcoming classes:
- 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.
Food Safety:
- Food Safety Works:
- Learn the basics of handling food safely and earn a 3 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):
- March 14, 2023 @ 9am at Montrose Friendship Hall
- For more information or to register click here
- Registration closes 1 week prior to event
- April 5, 2023 @1pm at Paonia Learning Council
- For more information or to register click here
- Registration closes 1 week prior to event
- April 7, 2023 @12:30pm at Montrose Friendship Hall
- For more information or to register click here
- Registration closes 1 week prior to event
- May 19, 2023 @ 9am at Orchard Mesa Research Station
- For more information or to register click here
- Registration closes 1 week prior to event
- March 14, 2023 @ 9am at Montrose Friendship Hall
- Upcoming classes (in-person):
- 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.
- 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.
- Proctoring: Available upon request.
- Upcoming classes:
- January 17, 2023 at the Orchard Mesa Research Station @ 8:15am
- Registration is closed
- March 30, 2023 at Montrose County Event Center @ 8:30am
- Register online
- Registration closes 30 days prior to course
- For any questions give us a call 970-249-3935
- May 24, 2023 at the Montrose County Event Center @ 8:30am
- Register online
- Registration closes 30 days prior to event
- For any questions give us a call 970-249-3935
- January 17, 2023 at the Orchard Mesa Research Station @ 8:15am
- Upcoming classes:
- Additional classes and options:
