Health & Wellness

All Health & Wellness Content

Group of young children receiving a free meal at a lunch station. Courtesy: USDA

FY22-FY24 SNAP-Ed Impact Report

SDSU Extension partners with the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) to deliver Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) to South Dakota’s lower-income households.

A rancher inspecting a sample of alflafa in an open range.

Agriculture Behavioral Health Voucher Program

The voucher program provides funding for free mental health counseling services to farm families.

Woman writing in a journal.

SDSU Extension Wisdom Writing workshop returns online in 2026

March 18, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce the next online offering of the Heirlooms: Wisdom Writing Workshop on March 31, 2026.

Young woman playing with a toddler in a large sandbox.

SDSU Extension supports childcare access in rural communities

March 16, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension’s efforts to support expanding childcare access in rural communities helped three South Dakota communities in 2024-2025.

Group of meat processing trainees inspecting parts of a beef carcass.

Testing for E. coli in Raw Meat Products: Basic information for meat processors

While the risk of Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) should be taken seriously, the incidence of positive STEC tests can be mitigated by proper animal, carcass, and product handling, as well as robust sanitation policies and practices.

A blank notebook sitting by eye glasses and photos.

Heirlooms: Creative Life Story Writing

Heirlooms: Creative Life Story Writing workshops offer free, professional writing guidance on a variety of topics, including life story writing, obituaries and family history.

Group of local foods education center staff inside high tunnel.

Food Is Medicine

Food Is Medicine programs can range from dietitian- and chef-crafted meals being home delivered to patients with multiple chronic diseases, to incentivizing people using benefit programs to buy more fruits and vegetables.

Young woman playing with a toddler in a large sandbox.

Bright Summers: Choosing Fun and Learning-Focused Care

Just as you did when you selected full-time care or after school care, you will want to consider various elements of summer care for your school-aged kids. Enriching summer programs are available through many types of settings, enabling children to have fun and explore at their own pace.

A small group of children at daycare.

Strengthening Rural Childcare Through Community Collaboration

Survey reports that aim to understand the current landscape of childcare in the state, focusing on availability, cost, quality, and impact on families and the economy.

Teachers and students in an early childhood education classroom.

Building Thriving Parent-Teacher Relationships

Childcare providers and educators spend countless hours watching children develop and grow. It is important for parents to build a strong reciprocal relationship with educators that helps support healthy learning and development.