In the absence of a FCS agent efforts were directed to keep those traditional clients of FCS Extension engaged and feeling wanted and needed. Discussions were held with FCS stakeholders to see what they wanted to see in the absence of a fulltime FCS agent. As a result of discussions, stakeholders asked for a focus on healthy local foods. Programming has been put into place that has included the following items:

• Low cost beef meals for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren support group.
• Joint food show featuring Barren River State Resort Part Executive Chef
• Three counter top appliance workshops featuring locally grown foods
• Monthly Cooking with the Calendar lesson using UK FCS Nutrition Calendar

After each event was held a survey was taken. Responses was very positive, however an unexpected trend began to appear. One question asked about if this was their first time at the Extension office, and each time a program was done, new clients were present. The Cooking with the Calendar lessons include all Extension agents and office support staff. The Cooking with the Calendar lessons start with a fairly advanced aged clients, however now the client include a significant number folks in in the 25-40 years age group. Those clients are also bring along their children with them. During the lessons it is always stressed that cooking can and should be a family event.

What started out to be “band aid” approach to client service has evolved into programming that bring more clients. Traditionally non-served audiences of the FCS programming are coming to the programs. Folks are asking questions about 4H, taking flyers on upcoming programs, and are beginning to realize what the Barren County Cooperative Extension Service has to offer.