As the new Lincoln County Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent, my main focus for the first 6 months has been to host online and in person needs assessments and discussion sessions with community members, Volunteers, Extension Homemakers, Elected Officials, Stake Holders, and community partners.  

Money management, budgeting, stretching a food budget, and mental health have been in the top concerns.   Food insecurity, food desserts,  homelessness, and supporting vulnerable families were top concerns.   After analyzing the needs in the county and comparing those to the UK FCS curriculum and resources, a plan was created with the New FCS Council.

A new Program named Tasty Tidbits has been created and will be offered at different times and locations in the county.  A focus of budgeting, couponing, stretching the food budget will be a focus with food demonstrations, taste testing and healthy tidbits of information will be given for helping live with Diabetes, Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance, and other health conditions that participants need addressed.

This program has a large interest and has a lot of individuals that have registered.  This will be a monthly program and data will be collected and analyzed to evaluate the program and improve to help meet the needs of the community.