Lewis & Clark County

Lewis and Clark County, located in the southwestern region of Montana, spans a vast and diverse landscape. Home to Montana’s state capital, Helena, the county has grown to a population of 70,973 according to the 2020 Census, reflecting steady development in both commercial and residential areas. Lewis and Clark County is the 14th largest county in Montana by total area and encompasses varied populations and landscapes, from Lincoln to Augusta to Helena, offering a unique blend of urban and rural living. Health-wise, the community faces a 31% adult obesity rate, with 9% of the population lacking healthcare coverage, according to the County Health Rankings.

Cooking with Community: Empowering Culinary Confidence and Healthy Eating through Hands-On Learning

“Cooking with Community,” a program conducted in partnership with the Helena Indian Alliance (HIA), provided nine participants, both HIA service users and employees, with an opportunity to build their culinary skills while fostering a supportive and engaging environment. The program focused on increasing participants' confidence in using kitchen tools safely and exploring affordable, nutrient-rich food options. Throughout the class, participants learned how to safely use a pressure cooker, air fryer, and blender, preparing a variety of dishes such as chicken in a pressure cooker, tofu in an air fryer, and chimichurri sauce in a blender. They also experimented with new ingredients like lentils and learned how to make a versatile quick bread base that can be adapted with different flavors in the future. In addition to cooking techniques, participants received education on MyPlate, enhancing their understanding of balanced nutrition. 100% of participants tried a new cooking technique they had not used before, and all participants took home recipes they enjoyed, demonstrating interest for the new foods they were trying. The program not only improved culinary skills and food knowledge but also encouraged participants to step outside their comfort zones. Many shared comments such as, "I have never tried this before" and "this is actually really good!” reflecting their excitement about new foods and techniques. The program contributed to improved food literacy, confidence in meal preparation, and community wellness by empowering individuals with practical skills and support.

Caption: Cooking with Community handouts and food creations.

Credit: Shae Bruursema

The Real Colors of Lewis & Clark County Employees

The Lewis and Clark County Extension Office Team conducted Real Colors trainings for various departments within the county, engaging participants in a dynamic workshop designed to improve communication, understanding, and collaboration in the workplace. Real Colors uses a personality type test to help individuals uncover the unique motivations of each temperament and enhance their ability to interact with others. Participants gained insight into their own personalities and those of their co-workers, with many expressing that they "learned how to better address co-workers" and developed a "better understanding of the strengths of each person and how to best interact with them." The workshop helped them become more aware of their co-workers' outlooks and feelings toward different situations, fostering empathy and a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives in the workplace. Through the Real Colors workshop, participants learned to identify and understand the four primary personality types—Gold, Green, Blue, and Orange. By recognizing the characteristics of each type, participants were able to see the world from a new perspective, improving teamwork and communication. This training provided valuable tools for building stronger, more cohesive teams, benefiting both personal and professional relationships.

Caption: Mat Walter works with Lewis & Clark County departments during a Real Colors Workshop

Credit: Shae Bruursema

SNAP-Ed Programming

Chloe Lundquist, the SNAP Educator for Lewis and Clark County, has made a significant impact on both youth and adult populations through her comprehensive nutrition education efforts. Chloe taught a total of 137 nutrition and wellness classes, reaching both children and adults in the community. Among these, over 120 Youth Understanding MyPlate (YUM) classes were delivered to 1st-5th graders across various schools, including Warren Elementary, Prickly Pear Elementary, Central Elementary, and Wolf Creek Elementary. These interactive, hands-on lessons introduced children to the principles of healthy eating through the MyPlate guidelines, encouraging healthy eating habits that are designed to last a lifetime. In addition to YUM, 24 Choose Health: Food, Fun, & Fitness (CHFFF) lessons were offered to 3rd-8th graders, promoting active play and balanced nutrition in summer programs and through collaborations with organizations like the Helena Indian Alliance and AWARE. These lessons emphasized the importance of healthy eating choices and physical activity, encouraging children to lead more active lives. For adult audiences, Chloe facilitated 10 Eating Smart Being Active (ESBA) classes at locations such as Family Outreach and the Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds. These evidence-based sessions provided practical education on nutrition, food safety, resource management, and physical activity, equipping participants with the tools needed to make informed, healthier choices. Additionally, she introduced Create-A-Skillet classes at the Helena Indian Alliance and Career Training Institute, teaching adults how to prepare affordable and nutritious meals using pantry staples. Through her extensive efforts, Chloe has empowered the community—both children and adults—to make healthier food choices, improve their overall well-being, and adopt sustainable, healthy habits. The impact of her work has been transformative, fostering stronger community engagement and healthier lifestyles across Lewis and Clark County.

Caption: A turnip dish made during a Create-A-Skillet class using produce from our Extension garden.

Credit: Chloe' Lundquist

2024 Lewis & Clark County 4-H Fair

The 2024 Lewis and Clark County 4-H Fair saw remarkable participation and success, with 292 youth showcasing the projects they created and the animals they raised. This year’s fair also saw a significant boost in the Indoor Projects Auction, with a 79% increase in items submitted and an impressive 193% increase in sales. The growth in both participation and financial outcomes highlights not only the hard work and dedication of the 4-H members but also the community's support for youth development in the county. The fair's success is a testament to the talent and effort of Lewis and Clark County 4-H participants.

Caption: Teen Leaders help with Indoor Project judging.

Credit: Lexi Foust

Contact

100 W. Custer
Helena, MT 59602
406-447-8042
https://www.montana.edu/extension/lewisclark/