Family and consumer sciences (FCS), founded as home economics, draws from broad and diverse disciplines to develop and provide content and programs that help individuals become more effective critical thinkers and problem solvers. Through discovery and delivery of research-based knowledge, FCS professionals help individuals and families develop essential skills to successfully live and work in a complex world.

Professionals in the field are uniquely qualified to speak on many critical issues affecting individuals and families, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, wisely managing personal and family finances, and creating supportive relationships with family members, friends, and co-workers. They are located nationwide in a variety of practice settings, including secondary schools, universities, government agencies, and businesses.

In secondary education alone, more than 27,000 family and consumer sciences educators are teaching more than 3 million students’ personal development and career preparation skills in critical areas, such as nutrition and wellness, healthy food preparation, child and family development, environmental design, consumer decision making, and personal finance.

Family and consumer sciences educators also work within the Cooperative Extension system, through the nation’s land-grant universities, which is University of Idaho in our state. Extension educators bring family and consumer sciences research and education programs for both youth and adults to local communities.

In higher education, family and consumer sciences teacher educators prepare the next generation of family and consumer sciences educators who work in a variety of practice settings, including secondary education and Cooperative Extension. There are currently more than 100 family and consumer sciences teacher preparation programs in the U.S.

By utilizing the extension resources available, you have access to topic specialist, researchers, information and classes in many of your local communities. 4-H is also housed in the extension offices. To find a county office near you, look in the county phone directory or visit online https://www.uidaho.edu/extension

Julie Buck, EdD, RDN, is a registered dietitian, food safety and health educator employed at the University of Idaho Extension, Bingham County. She can be reached at (208)785-8060 or jhbuck@uidaho.edu.