The Lunch and Learn sessions have become one of my most popular series of programs, and I enjoy them very much!  Just last week, one of my past L&L participants dropped by to see me and asked if they were coming back. So, I thought I would let everyone in on the secret. But before I do, some of you might be asking, “What is Lunch and Learn?” At its simplest, a Lunch and Learn program is a training or development event, scheduled occasionally during the lunch hour. Lunch and Learns usually last about 30-45 minutes. Although mine is a little different, the Lunch and Learns that I host all have a food and nutrition emphasis and often center around food preparation techniques and new and exciting ways to make things.

So, now that you know what they are…

Q:  Will Lunch and Learns be back again this year?

A: Yes, they sure will be back again this year! I have planned six new Lunch and Learn workshops. Sessions are expected to last one hour and include a short educational presentation, educational materials, recipes, food samples and other takeaways. The only difference this year is that each session will be a standalone, meaning that each will be advertised individually with its own cost.

Q:  When will it begin?

A: The first session will be held on Tuesday, March 28, at noon at the Rowan County Agriculture Building, located at 2727 Old Concord Road in Salisbury. All other sessions will be held the fourth Tuesday of the month at the noon hour, from March until August.

Q:  How will I know when to sign up for them?

A:  An article will be submitted to the Salisbury Post a few weeks prior to each session, which will serve as an announcement that the session is open for sign up. You may also visit and like us on Facebook — Rowan County Cooperative Extension — and visit our website https://rowan.ces.ncsu.edu/ for more information.

Q: How much will the series cost this year?

A: The sessions will vary, depending items needed to support the program. Cost information will be included in the article. Spaces are limited, and registration is required. Fees are also due at the time of registration.

Q:  When will sign up begin?

A: Sign up for the March 28 L&L will begin in early March. Be sure to check the paper so that you will know when to come by the office to sign up. The March 28 L&L will be Crockpot Freezer Meals; the cost will be $15, and each participant is asked to stop by our office to register, pay the program fee and pick up a grocery list of items needed to prepare the freezer meals and other instructions needed for the program.

I am looking forward to another successful Lunch and Learn series, and I hope that you all will be able to join me. If you have any questions, feel free to give me a call or email.

Toi N. Degree, Family & Consumer Education Agent at Rowan County Cooperative Extension (704-216-8970) or toi_degree@ncsu.edu