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Community Outreach in La Paz County

DES: Department of Economic Security:
The DES Offices are located in Parker, county seat. Until recently the offices have had to utilize space where available and thus created a disjointed layout that was difficult for both clients and employees. The Extension Office worked diligently on the advisory council to create a new “one stop shop” for all services. The building was currently remodeled to incorporate a friendly lobby and helpful reception area. It also houses several new agencies, which streamline the paperwork process and transportation issues. The Extension Office offers educational referrals and training through the one stop shop. Look for booths at health and career fairs. To find out if any of these services are right for you. Please visit www.arizonaselfhelp.org

WIC: Women, Infants and Children:
Proper nutrition is important for pregnant and nursing mothers and babies. Breastfeeding gives the best nutrients for babies and older children need nutritious habits as well. The La Paz County Extension Office offers information on eating right during pregnancy, shopping for good food, and information on breastfeeding your baby. We work with the Inter-Tribal WIC agency in Parker to distribute this information along with information on Native foods for diabetes, which has become increasingly important in our high risk population. More and more children are developing type II diabetes which can be reduced by healthy eating habits. Many native foods have slow release sugars which do not spike blood sugar levels like processed and refined food. For native food recipes please visit our recipe page or call for more information.

FOOD BANKS:
Food Banks are important are important in the community. Currently La Paz County has food banks in Parker, Quartzsite, Wenden and Bouse. Most of the food banks are run by banks are run by an agency outside of La Paz County and utilize local volunteers. One volunteer couple generously runs the food bank from their home. The La Paz County Extension Office makes a continuous effort to offer nutrition education through the food banks. Our nutrition staff coordinates health fairs and often has healthy dishes to sample. These dishes are inexpensive and can be made with “staple” ingredients. For these and other recipes go to our recipe page.

SCHOOL AND YOUTH GROUPS:
We offer many school and youth programs throughout the school year. Nutrition education and physical activity programs are available to schools and classrooms. Activities include, walking programs, Organ Annie, Bone Builders, Five–a-day, Food guide pyramid, Take 10 and many more. These programs help teach students age K-8 th grade about making healthy nutrition choices. We also offer many types of day camp activities during the summer and school breaks. “Survivor food camp and “Jr. chefs” food camp show healthy snacks and meals that kids of all ages can make on their own. It teaches them to survive on healthy choices instead of junk food. This is always a lot of fun. You may request a program for after school club or group by e-mailing robincc@cals.arizona.edu or call 928-669-9843. These are grant-funded programs so we rely on volunteer hours to help match our grant needs. If you are interested in becoming a partner or would like to request information just call our office at 928-669-9843.