Family and Community Health

Family and Community Health

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Family and Community Health (FCH) unit is dedicated to enhancing the well-being and health of individuals, families, and communities throughout Texas. The unit’s mission is to improve the quality of life for Texans through research-based education and outreach programs that promote healthy eating, physical activity, family development, and resource management. The FCH unit works collaboratively with local communities, leveraging research from Texas A&M University to ensure its programs are effective and impactful. By focusing on education and preventive measures, the FCH unit aims to reduce healthcare costs, improve quality of life, and build stronger, healthier communities across Texas.

Better Living for Texans

The Better Living for Texans (BLT) program, part of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, aims to improve the health and nutrition of limited-resource individuals and families in Texas. Funded by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), BLT provides educational resources and programs to promote healthier food choices, food safety, and active lifestyles.

BLT Program Areas:

  1. Nutrition Education:
    • Healthy Eating: Teaching participants about balanced diets, portion control, and making nutritious food choices.
    • Meal Planning: Offering guidance on how to plan, budget, and prepare healthy meals on a limited budget.
  2. Physical Activity:
      • Active Living: Encouraging regular physical activity through practical tips and community-based activities to promote fitness and reduce sedentary behavior.
      • Exercise Programs: Offering structured exercise sessions and promoting activities suitable for various age groups and fitness levels.
  3. Gardening:
    • Growing Your Own Food: Teaching participants how to grow fruits and vegetables in home or community gardens to improve access to fresh produce.
    • Gardening Techniques: Providing information on sustainable gardening practices, soil health, and pest management.

Through these main program areas, BLT empowers individuals and families to make healthier lifestyle choices, ultimately aiming to improve overall health and well-being.

BLT Eligibility

The Better Living for Texans program is available to Texans that are SNAP recipients or SNAP program eligible.

In addition, families that participate in or receive any of the following may be eligible:

  • Head Start program
  • WIC
  • TANF
  • SSI
  • receives food from a food pantry or soup kitchen.

 

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