Family and Consumer Sciences
The family unit is the cornerstone of a healthy community. Virginia Cooperative Extension strives to improve the well-being of Virginia families through programs that help put research-based knowledge to work in people's lives. Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) educators help Virginians learn to make good choices for themselves and their families. This, in turn, strengthens their communities and the commonwealth.
A Vision for a Stronger Commonwealth
Our Extension agents teach Virginians how to improve their quality of life by giving them the skills to:
- Prevent chronic disease with a healthy diet and physical activity
- Identify quality childcare
- Plan for home ownership
- Make good parenting decisions
- Handle food safely
- Be a wise grocery shopper
- Handle credit wisely
- Plan for elder care needs
- Manage finances successfully
- Prepare for and cope with disasters
- Manage home-based businesses
FCS programs reach tens of thousands of families across the commonwealth each year. We work with other state and local agencies for many of our programs, and through these partnerships we maximize the impact and quality of our resources. Our staff and trained volunteers help build and strengthen these collaborations and extend our resources to more Virginians.
Developing Life Skills
We help Virginians develop wellness life skills in our three pillar program areas:
- Food, nutrition, and health
- Family financial management
- Family and human development
Whether preventing chronic disease with a healthy diet, purchasing a family home, or identifying quality childcare, Virginians benefit from the comprehensive education in these three FCS areas.
Giving to FCS
You can make a difference by contributing to the Virginia FCS Foundation Fund.
Photo credit: Patricia Strat
The Fairfax County History Commission recognized the 125-year old Vale schoolhouse, in Oakton, Va., with a historic marker on October 17. In 1935, the Vale Home Demonstration Club, at that time part of Extension’s Family and Consumer Sciences program, saved the schoolhouse from public auction. Now known as the Vale Club, the group continues to maintain the building and use it for community gatherings and educational events.