Chatham County Cooperative Extension

06/05/2026

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the detection of a New World screwworm (NWS) in a bovine in Zavala County, Texas. NWS is a serious pest that affects livestock, pets, wildlife, and less commonly, people and birds. NWS larvae (maggots) burrow into the flesh of living animals, causing serious damage to livestock and economic losses. The affected animal is a 3-week-old calf and larvae were identified in its umbilical area. To date, there have been no further detections in the US.
Press release: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-confirms-presence-new-world-screwworm-united-states

“The positive case in Texas is disappointing but is not surprising considering its proximity to Northern Mexico,” said State Veterinarian Mike Martin. “For several weeks the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Veterinary Division has worked closely with our counterparts in South Carolina to develop similar state plans for New World Screwworm control and the movement of livestock. We will continue to work collaboratively with a focus on medications for the treatment and prevention of this pest. We will also continue our efforts to collaborate with our federal partners to help our state be in a better position to prevent and control the spread of New World Screwworm.”

It is also important to note that New World Screwworm is not a food safety concern and the food supply is safe. More information can be found at the USDA website https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/stop-screwworm.

06/04/2026

¡Estirar tus beneficios de SNAP no tiene por qué ser un problema! 🛒

Con unos pocos pasos inteligentes, puedes llenar tu carrito con comidas saludables y deliciosas sin gastar una fortuna. Aquí tienes 3 consejos rápidos para tu próxima compra de alimentos:

🍲Elige marcas de tienda: Evita las grandes marcas y opta por las versiones "genéricas" o de marca de tienda. Normalmente tienen exactamente los mismos ingredientes pero cuestan mucho menos.

🫘Compra productos básicos al por mayor: comprar arroz en cantidad, frijoles secos y avena. Son saciantes, se conservan bien y cuestan mucho menos por ración que las comidas preenvasadas.

📱Descarga aplicaciones de la tienda: Recorta cupones digitales antes de ir y consulta los boletos semanales para planificar tus comidas en función de lo que hay en oferta.

Para saber más sobre el programa SNAP, visita la página web de morefood.org o llama gratis al equipo de Más En Mi Canasta al 1-855-240-1451.

06/04/2026

Stretching your SNAP benefits doesn’t have to be a struggle! 🛒

With a few smart moves, you can fill your cart with healthy, delicious meals without breaking the bank. Here are 3 quick tips for your next grocery run:

🍲Go for store brands: Skip the big names and reach for the "generic" or store-brand versions. They usually have the exact same ingredients but cost way less.

🫘Buy staples in bulk: Stock up on rice, dried beans, and oats. They are filling, shelf-stable and cost much less per serving than pre-packaged meals.

📱Download Store Apps: Clip digital coupons before you go and check the weekly circulars to plan your meals around what’s on sale.

To learn more about the SNAP program, visit the morefood.org website or call the More In My Basket team toll-free at 1-855-240-1451.

photo: A woman smiling at a laptop with colorful sticky notes in the background.

05/28/2026

05/27/2026

¿Te has preguntado alguna vez qué es y para qué sirve la tarjeta EBT? 🛒✨

La Transferencia Electrónica de Beneficios (EBT) es básicamente una tarjeta de débito emitida por el gobierno que ofrece beneficios de comida y dinero a quienes necesitan un pequeño impulso extra. 💳

Se utiliza principalmente para SNAP (Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria), ayudando a las familias a poner frutas, verduras y productos esenciales frescos sobre la mesa. 🍎🥦 El programa SNAP también apoya a nuestros agricultores ayudando a las familias a comprar los alimentos que necesitan.

Funciona igual que una tarjeta bancaria normal: desliza, introduce tu PIN y listo. Se trata de proporcionar dignidad, nutrición y apoyo a los miembros de nuestra comunidad.

Si quieres saber si eres elegible para SNAP, visita hoy mismo la web de Más En Mi Canasta (morefood.org).

05/27/2026

Ever wondered what that EBT card is all about? 🛒✨

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is basically a government-issued debit card that delivers food and cash benefits to those who need a little extra boost. 💳

It’s primarily used for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), helping families put fresh fruits, veggies and essentials on the table. 🍎🥦 The SNAP program also supports our farmers by helping families to buy the food they need.

It works just like a regular bank card—swipe, enter your PIN and you’re good to go! It’s all about providing dignity, nutrition and support to our community members.

If you would like to see if you are eligible for SNAP, visit the More In My Basket website today (morefood.org).

photo: A woman holding a smartphone and credit card, sitting on a sofa.

05/26/2026

Check out some of our friends over at Bennett School releasing their butterflies from this year's Butterfly Program through 4-H of Chatham County, NC!

05/22/2026

Join this virtual class to learn about affordable meat cuts and ways to prepare them.
Register for free at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/savvy-meat-cuts-budget-better-tickets-1977717448126?aff=oddtdtcreator

05/21/2026

The next public tour of Chatham County Cooperative Extension's Pollinator Paradise Demo Garden is next Tuesday, May 26 at 10 am and there's still room! The tours are free but registration is required. Spring is a lovely time to visit the garden. Check out the link below to register.

Agriculture Agent Debbie Roos will give a tour of Chatham County Cooperative Extension’s Pollinator Paradise Demonstration Garden.

05/20/2026

La web Más En Mi Canasta tiene muchas recetas compatibles con SNAP disponibles para que las pruebes en casa. Ya sea primavera, verano, invierno u otoño, seguro que encontrarás algo delicioso que te ayudará a ampliar tus beneficios. ¡Visita morefood.org hoy mismo!