The COVID pandemic affected Kentuckians in many ways, including for many, changes in their finances and nutrition security. According to the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, SNAP benefit enrollment increased by 16% in April of 2020, as a result of the pandemic. Due to economic changes, participation has decreased since June of 2021, however as of May 2022, there are 543,429 SNAP beneficiaries in Kentucky (retrieved from https://kypolicy.org/tracking-snap-in-kentucky/).

The Nutrition Education Program continued to provide critical nutrition education and support throughout Kentucky communities during this time with existing staff. In February of 2022, a group of nine new NEP Assistants were hired to work in counties with a high percentage of SNAP participants (Fayette, Jefferson, Scott, Casey, Livingston, Crittenden, Kenton, Laurel and Morgan counties), and a great need for nutrition education.

New NEP Assistants participated in a series of training developed and delivered by NEP state staff. Many new training materials and resources were developed to provide comprehensive training relevant to the job of an NEP Assistant. Topics included nutrition concepts, food preparation techniques, program delivery, adult and youth curriculum implementation, and program evaluation and reporting. Training was also facilitated by Senior NEP Assistants, allowing an opportunity for new NEP Assistants to learn from their firsthand expertise working in the field.

Training evaluations for each session were developed and distributed. One participant shared, “I have received training from several different employers in the past. I have not experienced such supportive trainers before. The entire training program has been incredibly positive which has inspired confidence in myself & my abilities.” NEP Assistants’ delivery of nutrition education in counties throughout Kentucky is essential to fulfilling the mission of the Nutrition Education Program and serves as a great asset to the health and well-being of Kentucky families.