FCE organizations were largely instrumental in instigating the school hot lunch program in the 1960's, for example. All volunteers, all working without pay, the FCE club members receive training throughout the year from their local county office of the Texas Agricultural Extension Service. In turn, these train others in areas such as family nutrition, home safety, clothing fabrication and choices, family relations and child care, according to Sue Farris, director of Extension District 5. Laughter is not just a coping mechanism but has well-documented physical, mental and emotional benefits, Ladd said. It's so good for us to laugh, we ought to laugh more.
Laughter also mobilizes the body's natural defense mechanisms.
The process of laughter is relaxing. The FCE leaders then return to their respective clubs and pass the training on to their club members, who in turn conduct training sessions for members of their community. This kind of training goes on all year long, in all the 22 counties of Extension District 5. The annual conference gives FCE members a chance to not only conduct the association's business but receive some unique training from statewide as well as regional experts. Those wishing to join or start a FCE club in their area should call the Family Consumer Science agent at their local county office of the Texas Agricultural Extension Service.