The Cooperative Extension Service is known in some circles as “ the best-kept secret.” The Extension Service offers a wealth of resources; unfortunately, many folks don't know about them. Not only does the Extension Service serve as a reliable information source for gardeners and farmers, but it also provides affordable agricultural-related education, and can provide strategies for becoming a safer and better cook. The Extension Service houses one such asset, the Kentucky Nutrition Education Program. KYNEP seeks to teach folks to eat better for less through a variety of methods including nutrition education classes, community outreach, and recipe demonstrations.

72.3% of the total US population actively uses social media, totaling a number of about 240 million people. It’s clear that social media has the potential to spread the word about the Extension Service and NEP resources to a vast number of people.  Upon starting with the Nutrition Education Program as a Program Coordinator for Media and Marketing in the fall of 2021, LaToya Drake initiated social media campaigns and content to educate folks creatively about food and nutrition and to spread the word about Extension and KYNEP resources and services. Content/campaigns related to food safety, commodity cooking, picture recipes, and recipe roundup among others. During LaToya’s short time with KYNEP, there has been an increase in reach and engagement on Instagram and Facebook. Since her addition to the State Nutrition Education Program team, the Instagram following for KYNEP has more than doubled and the KYNEP reaches thousands each month through social media channels.