Feeding Children

Fueling Kids for Sports and Life

Host: Heather Norman-Burgdolf, PhD, Associate Extension Professor for Nutrition and Health, University of Kentucky Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment
Guest: Liz Combs, EdD, RD, Assistant Professor, Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition
Season 8 | Episode 42
In this episode of Talking FACS, hosted by Dr. Heather Norman-Burgdolf, with guest Dr. Liz Combs of the University of Kentucky Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, they explore why nutrition matters for kids who play sports and how proper fueling supports growth, focus, mood, immunity, recovery, and performance.
Topics covered include what a balanced meal and snack look like (carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and colorful fruits/vegetables), timing strategies including pre- and post-practice fueling, hydration guidance and when sports drinks are appropriate, and quick, budget-friendly breakfast and snack ideas for busy families and picky eaters.
Key takeaways:
carbohydrates are an athlete’s friend,
small consistent habits beat perfection,
plan ahead with grab-and-go options, and
use recovery snacks within an hour after activity to support performance and overall well-being.
Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Extension
          Website
          Facebook
          Instagram
          FCS Learning Channel

MoneyWi$e: Organize Your Home on a Budget

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Jeanne Badgett, MS Extension Associate for Clothing, Textiles, and Household Equipment
Season 8, Episode 32
Join Talking FACS host Mindy McCulley and guest Jeanne Badgett from the University of Kentucky FCS Extension for a practical episode about organizing without breaking the bank.
Strategies include:
decluttering first
grouping like items
establishing zones
repurposing containers, and
suggestions for when to invest in uniform storage
Key takeaways: toss broken items, sort and label for visibility, try no-cost solutions first (repurpose boxes, jars, trays), enlist a friend instead of hiring help, and remember clutter has both financial and opportunity costs.
Resources mentioned: Money Wise newsletter and your local Extension office for more tips and hands-on support.
For more information about this topic and other MoneyWi$e topics, visit:
MoneyWi$e Newsletter
MoneyWi$e Website
Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Extension
          Website
          Facebook
          Instagram
          FCS Learning Channel

Holiday Meals on a Budget

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  
Guest: LaToya Drake, MS Communications Director, The Food Connection
Season 8, Episode 22
As we wrap up  our self-proclaimed Stretching Your Food Budget Week, host Mindy McCulley and guest LaToya Drake from The Food Connection share a compact guide to planning holiday meals without blowing your budget. They discuss practical strategies for saving money on traditional dishes, including choosing smaller cuts of meat, using seasonal or sale produce, ingredient substitutions, and inviting guests to help.
The episode explains a five-trip shopping strategy to spread spending and reduce last-minute stress, plus tips for shopping your pantry and freezer first, rotating older items, and stretching meals with staples like potatoes, rice, and beans.
Expect actionable, research-based advice for keeping holiday traditions while trimming costs and time in the kitchen so you can focus on gathering with loved ones.
For more information:
Planning Holiday Meals on A Thrifty Budget
To connect with Nutrition Education Program resources, visit:
PlanEatMove.com
Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about this topic or any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Extension
          Website
          Facebook
          Instagram
          FCS Learning Channel

Pantry Power: Stretch Your Food Budget with Pantry Staples

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky  
Guest: Heather Norman-Burgdolf, PhD, Associate Extension Professor for Nutrition and Health
Season 8, Episode 21
Join Mindy McCulley and Dr. Heather Norman-Burgdolf as they explore how everyday pantry staples can stretch your food budget while keeping meals nutritious and satisfying. This episode of Talking FACS covers practical, research-based ideas focusing on making your pantry work for you.
Topics include:
creative uses for pasta (try a spaghetti stir-fry),
split pea and rice bowls,
using dried beans for tacos and soups to stretch servings, and
versatile uses for powdered (dry) milk in baking and breakfasts.
They discuss cost-saving tips like buying canned and dried goods in bulk, simple meal-building techniques, and the nutritional benefits of legumes and whole-grain or legume-based pastas.
Key takeaways: assemble meals from pantry basics, add small twists to avoid meal ruts, and use Extension resources  for recipes and step-by-step guides to save money and feed your family well.
For recipe ideas, visit:
Plate it up! Kentucky Proud 
Plan Eat Move
Daily Meal Ideas (30 days of meal ideas using pantry staples)
Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Extension
          Website
          Facebook
          Instagram
 

Exploring Food Dyes: Keeping You Informed

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky
Guest: Courtney Luecking, PhD Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health
Season 8, Episode 18
During this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley chats with Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health, about artificial and natural food dyes: what they are, the many places they are found, and how they are regulated.
They discuss the findings that link synthetic dye exposure to behavioral and brain development effects in some children (including those with and without ADHD), the FDA’s January 2025 ban on Red Dye No. 3 and its phase-out deadline, and why ongoing research matters.
Practical takeaways include checking ingredient labels for FD&C and dye numbers, favoring whole foods, using natural color sources and infused water, and staying informed as regulations evolve.
For more information:
Food Dyes: What should we know?
Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Extension
          Website
          Facebook
          Instagram
          FCS Learning Channel

Tackling Childhood Hunger: The Impact of Backpack Programs

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  
Guest: LaToya Drake, MS Extension Specialist for Food Access and Engagement, Kentucky Nutrition Education Program
Season 8, Episode 5
In this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley welcomes LaToya Drake, Extension Specialist for Food Access and Engagement with the Kentucky Nutrition Education Program.
They dive into the crucial role that Backpack programs play in alleviating childhood hunger in Kentucky. Discover how these community-driven initiatives discreetly provide nutritious food to children on weekends and during school breaks, ensuring they don't go hungry. Through heartwarming stories and practical advice, learn how educators, community groups, and volunteers collaborate to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and their families. Find out how you can support or get involved with local Backpack programs in your community.
To connect with Nutrition Education Program resources, visit:
PlanEatMove.com
Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Extension
          Website
          Facebook
          Instagram
          FCS Learning Channel
 

Kentucky's Hunger Crisis: Challenges and Solutions

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  
Guest: LaToya Drake, MS Extension Specialist for Food Access and Engagement, Kentucky Nutrition Education Program
Season 7, Episode 50
In this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley delves into the pressing issue of hunger in Kentucky with guest LaToya Drake, Extension Specialist for Food Access and Engagement.
They discuss the alarming rates of food insecurity affecting both children and adults across the state, with a particular focus on rural areas where access to nutritious food is limited. LaToya shares insights on how poverty and lack of transportation contribute to the crisis and emphasizes the importance of community-driven solutions. The conversation highlights potential strategies to combat food insecurity, including policy advocacy, strengthening partnerships, and fostering education on nutrition.
Join us as we explore sustainable approaches to ensure every Kentuckian has access to healthy food.
To connect with Nutrition Education Program resources, visit:
PlanEatMove.com
Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Extension
          Website
          Facebook
          Instagram
          FCS Learning Channel

Building a Better Body Image

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky
Guest: Courtney Luecking, PhD Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health
Season 7, Episode 35
Join host Mindy McCulley and guest Dr. Courtney Luecking, Assistant Extension Professor for Maternal and Child Health, as they delve into the importance of cultivating a positive body image from a young age. In this episode, they discuss how body image influences overall well-being and share actionable tips for parents to help their children appreciate their bodies amidst societal pressures and unrealistic media portrayals.
Dr. Luecking emphasizes the role of social media, family, and friends in shaping perception and offers strategies for parents to be positive role models. The conversation touches on the challenges adolescents face and provides practical advice for fostering affirming environments that celebrate body diversity. Learn how to guide conversations away from body size and toward healthy lifestyle habits.
This episode of Talking FACS is a must-listen for parents seeking to empower their children with confidence and a healthy perception of self.
Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about this topic or any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Extension
          Website
          Facebook
          Instagram
          FCS Learning Channel

Gardening on a Budget

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  
Guest: Bethany Pratt, MS Extension Food Systems Specialist, Kentucky Nutrition Education Program
Season 7, Episode 34
Join us as we explore the world of vegetable gardening with Bethany Pratt, the Food System Specialist with the Nutrition Education Program. In this episode, discover how gardening can be a fun and flexible hobby that not only enhances your physical activity and eating choices but also fits any budget. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or just a small patio, Bethany shares tips for getting the most out of your space and time, including advice on container gardening for those with limited space or mobility.
We discuss the support resources available through the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, which offers guidance through county extension agents and online tools. Learn how to choose easy-to-grow vegetables that align with your taste and budget, and find out when to start planting in Kentucky for optimal results.
Don't miss the chance to turn your gardening efforts into a family activity, encouraging children to eat more vegetables by involving them in the process. Whether you are planting for fun, health, or both, this episode will inspire you to start your own garden and enjoy the benefits of fresh produce right from your home.
To Connect with Nutrition Education Program resources, visit:
PlanEatMove.com
Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Extension
          Website
          Facebook
          Instagram
          FCS Learning Channel

Episode 8: Let the Fun Begin - Using our Senses to Explore and Experience Food

Hosts:
Courtney Luecking, PhD, MPH, RDN Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health
Anna Cason, RDN, LD, Extension Associate for Food and Nutrition
Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky 
Dr. Courtney Luecking and Anna Cason wrap up the SNACK Club series by diving into the fascinating world of sensory experiences and their impact on children's eating habits. This episode of Snack Club explores how using our senses can make food fun and engaging for kids.
The hosts discuss the eight senses—sight, sound, smell, touch, taste, balance, body awareness, and internal cues—and how each one plays a crucial role in the eating experience. They provide practical tips for parents to create a nurturing feeding environment, from celebrating small wins like a child touching a new food to creative ideas for making mealtime fun, such as food art and involving children in the kitchen.
Whether you're dealing with picky eaters or just looking to add a sense of adventure to your family's meals, this episode is packed with insights and strategies to help you raise a mindful eater. Embrace the mess, celebrate the small victories, and discover new ways to make food exploration a joyful journey for your kids.
So come for the SNACKS and stay for the SUPPORT!
To connect with Snack Club resources:
SNACK Club website
Big Blue Book Club Facebook Group
SNACK Club on YouTube
To Connect with FCS Extension:
UK Cooperative Extension County Offices 
 

Episode 6: Managing Mealtime Behaviors

Hosts:
Courtney Luecking, PhD, MPH, RDN Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health
Anna Cason, RDN, LD, Extension Associate for Food and Nutrition
Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky 
Join SNACK Club as we return to tackle the ever-relevant topic of managing mealtime behavior with children. Using a blend of humor and heartfelt stories, Courtney and Anna dive into the contrast between Instagram-perfect meals and the chaotic reality many parents face. From children running around the table to food refusals, this episode provides a compassionate guide to handling these common mealtime challenges.
Drawing on personal anecdotes, expert advice, and practical strategies, Anna and Courtney introduce the A, B, C, D approach:
Assess the situation
Breathe
Calculate your response, and
Do it consistently
Discover how to apply these steps to create a calmer and more enjoyable mealtime environment. They also explore the concept of food waste, offering tips on how to minimize it while still introducing new foods to your child's diet.
Whether you're dealing with picky eating or just looking for ways to make family meals less stressful, this episode is packed with insights and encouragement. Tune in to learn how to transform mealtime from a battleground into a bonding experience. And don't miss the sneak peek of their next episode, where they'll discuss when it's time to seek additional help for mealtime issues.
So come for the SNACKS and stay for the SUPPORT!
To connect with Snack Club resources:
SNACK Club website
Big Blue Book Club Facebook Group
SNACK Club on YouTube
To Connect with FCS Extension:
UK Cooperative Extension County Offices 
 

Episode 5: Setting the Table for a Pleasant Mealtime

Hosts:
Courtney Luecking, PhD, MPH, RDN Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health
Anna Cason, RDN, LD, Extension Associate for Food and Nutrition
Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky 
Welcome to the fifth episode of SNACK Club where they dive into the art and science of creating pleasant and meaningful mealtime experiences for families. Drawing from their extensive expertise in family and child nutrition, Courtney and Anna explore the significance of mealtime rituals, the power of gratitude, and the role of sweets in a balanced diet. They also touch on how to make holidays less about food and more about meaningful connections and traditions.
Tune in to find out how to make mealtimes more enjoyable and mindful, setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy eating habits and cherished family moments.
So come for the SNACKS and stay for the SUPPORT!
To connect with Snack Club resources:
SNACK Club website
Big Blue Book Club Facebook Group
SNACK Club on YouTube
To Connect with FCS Extension:
UK Cooperative Extension County Offices