The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce the following Family Consumer Science Programs for May 2026. These programs are offered by Family and Consumer Science Agent Ebony Griffin and Commercial Horticulture Agent Tatiana Sanchez-Jones.
All About Watermelons – Tuesday, May 19, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Alachua County Ag Auditorium (22716 W. Newberry Road, Newberry).
This class teaches about watermelon production in Florida and how to create healthy, tasty recipes.
After the presentation, students will participate in an interactive cooking demonstration with Alachua County FCS Agent Ebony Griffin, followed by tastings of locally sourced melons and recipe samples.
This class is for growers, home gardeners, food lovers, and anyone curious about Florida agriculture.
The $20 registration fee includes all training materials and food. Participants must register online by Monday, May 15. It is limited to 50 participants.
Cooking Up Health: The Mediterranean Way – This six-week course begins Saturday, Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Alachua County Ag Auditorium (22716 W. Newberry Road, Newberry).
Join us for a journey through healthy eating, the Mediterranean Way. This six-week series is based on the “Med Instead of Meds” program developed by North Carolina State University. It teaches participants how to plan meals and explore recipes inspired by the Mediterranean diet, a way of eating that emphasizes fresh, flavorful and nutritionally balanced foods.
Research shows that following this style of eating can promote overall health and significantly reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular (heart) disease, and some types of cancer.
The registration cost includes all materials and food. Participants can register online starting May 23, 2026. It is limited to 15 participants.
These programs are open to adults ages 18 and up. There are no walk-ins, refunds, or transfers to other classes. No animals are allowed, except those defined as service animals under the ADA.
For more information, contact Ebony Griffin at ebonygriffin@ufl.edu. Visit the extension office website for a list of additional programs.
An Equal Opportunity Institution. Extension Service, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Dr. Andra Johnson, dean for UF/IFAS Extension. Single copies of extension publications (excluding 4-H and youth publications) are available free to Florida residents from county extension offices.
