North Carolina Cooperative Extension - Stanly County

03/13/2026

Think sugar is the enemy? Not so fast. 🍬 The real issue isn’t all sugar — it’s how much added sugar is quietly sneaking into your day, from drinks to bread to pasta sauce.

🎥 In this episode of Homegrown, Catherine Hill, nutrition programs manager for NC State Extension, breaks down what the latest dietary guidelines actually say, where added sugars tend to hide, and how a few small swaps can steady your energy and support long-term health: https://youtu.be/25m90wx0HaY

03/12/2026

Make sure to stop by and pick some tulips!! Theirs are gorgeous!!!

03/12/2026

Stanly County Extension and Community Association held their Annual Cultural Arts competition this week! Congratulations to our Blue Ribbon winners who will go on to District competition in April. For more information contact President, Liz Nichols or Cultural Arts Chair, Rowena Lisenby.

03/11/2026

Click the link below for the Spring 2026 Edition of the Pasture Post Tri-County Livestock Newsletter!

Click the link below to see the Spring 2026 Edition of the Pasture Post Tri-County Livestock Newsletter!

03/11/2026

This is a wonderful opportunity to get moving outside and enjoy the great morrow mountain trails.

The next Start It, Stanly! Hike It! event starts March 21.

03/10/2026

Spring is here, and so is planting season!

Come visit the Stanly County Seed Library, located inside the Agri-Civic Center (26032 E Newt Rd, Albemarle, NC 28001) at the Extension Office. We are open weekdays from 8:30am to 5:00pm!

Each variety are great choices for both beginners and well seasoned gardeners alike. Having a hard time choosing what to grow? We can help!

The seeds are free, we just ask that you follow our simple three step checkout process!

1. Pick your seeds (one packet per variety please)
2. Fill out the checkout form on the table
3. Scan the QR code and complete the short questionnaire

The library is located just inside the Extension office. We hope to see you soon!

03/10/2026

It was a full house today at the Stanly County Public Library for our National Nutrition Month feature: "Change Your Protein."
Led by FCS Agent Hayley Cowell, this program focused on the Mediterranean approach to protein. We learned that the "Med Way" isn't about restriction—it's about variety!. Key takeaways included:
Prioritize Plants: Incorporate more beans, peas, and lentils.
Go Fish: Aim for at least 8 ounces of seafood per week.
Right-Size: Learn to balance your plate with the right portions.
For more research-based nutrition tips or to see the full "Med Instead of Meds" schedule, contact the Stanly County Extension Office at (704) 983-3987.

03/09/2026

Come out to our class at the Stanly County Library tomorrow afternoon!

In this engaging session, you will:

*Discover Healthier Options: Learn how to swap traditional proteins for more nutritious alternatives.
*Watch a Live Demo: See a delicious, protein-packed recipe prepared right before your eyes.
*Enjoy a Taste Test: Sample the healthy recipe to see how easy it is to fuel your body better.

03/05/2026

😎 Different look, same amazing youth programming!

😎 Ready to plan your summer!? We’re updating how we share our youth programs!
🍀While we are retiring the "Summer Blast" name, we aren't slowing down. We’ll be posting educational opportunities individually as they open, rather than all at once. 4-H youth will still be offered the same high-quality programs as always.
🍀WHERE can parents find the information? Right here on Facebook, in our 4-H newsletter, and at 4Honline.com.
🍀WHEN can you expect to see summer programs advertised? Over the next several months! Make sure to stay connected here, subscribe to our newsletter and enroll or renew your child's enrollment at 4Honline.com.

More details:
🔗 https://stanly.ces.ncsu.edu/youth-education/
Questions? Contact our office:
7049833987 or smith-thompson@ncsu.edu

03/05/2026

We’re READY for plant sale pickup day. Today! 9-5:30pm at @ Farm Bureau Livestock Arena

03/04/2026

We had another great turnout today for session three of our Med Instead of Meds program! Our focus was all about "swapping the fats"—learning how to replace saturated fats with heart-healthy, unsaturated options that provide lasting energy and satiety.

The highlight of the day? Our snack demo! Participants got to taste a delicious Rosemary Chili Walnut and Peanut mix. Snacking on a handful of nuts and seeds is one of the "7 Simple Steps" to eating the Med Way every day.

A big thanks to everyone at the West Stanly Senior Center for the great conversation. See you next time as we dive into whole grains!