As families across Tennessee begin a new school year, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Week, celebrated August 3-7, highlights the practical, research-based programs that can help families thrive at home and at school.
Presented through the state’s two land-grant institutions, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Tennessee State University, Extension FCS programs serve all 95 counties by helping Tennesseans make informed decisions about nutrition, finances, parenting, health, relationships and home. As students head back to the classroom, these programs are especially relevant offering support for healthy meals and snacks, school-year routines, stress management, family communication and smart back-to-school spending.
“Back-to-school season affects every part of family life, from meal planning and morning routines to budgeting and emotional well-being,” said Christopher Sneed, UT associate professor of Family and Consumer Sciences. “Family and Consumer Sciences Extension helps families navigate those everyday challenges with trusted information, practical tools and programs that make home and family life stronger.”
Assistant Dean of UT Extension Janet Fox, who directs the UT’s FCS programming, says, the information is also valuable to families all year. “Nutrition and food safety education can help caregivers plan healthy lunches, snacks and breakfasts. Financial education supports families as they budget for school supplies, clothing and household expenses. Parenting and human development programs strengthen routines, communication and positive relationships that help children and families succeed. Health programming encourages healthy habits that support both physical and emotional well-being for all.” She adds that families can use all the support they can get, and Extension FCS programming is available in every county.
Daily Themes for FCS Extension Week
During the week of August 3, Tennessee Extension will spotlight a key area of FCS programming each day and show how Extension supports families during the back-to-school season and beyond:
Mindful Monday (August 3)
Highlights emotional wellness, stress management and healthy coping strategies. As families transition back into school schedules, Extension offers tools to support mental well-being, resilience, and stronger family relationships.
Tasty Tuesday (August 4)
Focuses on nutrition education, food preparation and food safety. Throughout the year, Extension teaches practical strategies for planning healthy breakfasts, packing nutritious lunches, preparing quick family meals and handling food safely.
Wellness Wednesday (August 5)
Promotes healthy lifestyles, physical activity and chronic disease prevention. Extension encourages habits that help children and adults stay active, energized and ready for the demands of the school year.
Thrifty Thursday (August 6)
Emphasizes financial literacy and resource management. From budgeting for school supplies and clothing to making the most of family resources, Extension helps households build confidence in managing money and resources wisely.
Making an Impact Across Tennessee
Extension FCS programs meet families where they are with solutions for real life. Whether helping parents stretch their food dollars, create healthier meals, manage household finances, build strong routines or strengthen relationships, FCS programs make a difference in the daily lives of Tennesseans. “During back-to-school season, that support is more valuable than ever,” reiterates Sneed.
Family Friday (August 7)
Celebrates strong families by promoting parenting skills, child development and positive communication. Extension supports families in creating routines, expectations and connections that help children thrive in school and at home.
