By Toi Degree

Rowan Cooperative Extension

The Lunch and Learn sessions continue to be one of the most popular series of programs that I offer, and new people hear about them and join me each year.

Earlier this month, one of my newest participants called to ask me what I had up my sleeve for this year.  Now, that made me laugh. I had no idea she thought I had tricks up my sleeve. But, I guess she may be right since I had already planned my sessions out for the year.  So, I let her in on my plan and now I’m sharing it with you all as well.

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

A: Yes, they sure will be back again. I have planned four 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 on Wednesday, March 6, at noon at the Rowan County Agriculture Building, located at 2727 Old Concord Road. All other sessions will be held the first Wednesday of the month at the noon hour, from March until June.

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 our website,  https://rowan.ces.ncsu.edu/ for more information.

Q: How much will the series cost this year?

A: Sessions will be $10 per session. 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 6 Lunch and Learn will be Feb. 1 through 28. This year, I will kick off with Air Frying 101. So, those of you that received air fryers for Christmas as I did, come learn how to put your air fryer to use.  I have come to love mine and used it a lot in the beginning — I was cooking then; I haven’t been cooking a lot lately. But, they are certainly a great way to get dinner done quick, easy and without all the fat.

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 an email.

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