In a world where many people are busy and on the go it can be difficult for some to find time for in person classes at the extension office. In order to create an educational class that was accessible for everyone the Lewis County Extension FCS program developed the Facebook Live Cooking series. This four lesson class was intended to take place online as a demonstration for how to prepare various Plate it Up! Kentucky Proud recipes as well as an educational portion on the health benefits of the recipes main ingredient.

The class was highly successful and very well received by the public. Since completion of the program the videos have accumulated over 1,000 views. Surveys taken by participants after the program also displayed some very promising statistics. 93% of all viewers claimed that they were more likely to buy a fruit or vegetable as a result of the program, 35% of the viewers had never been to a program at the extension office before, and all participants stated that they were more likely to cook at home because of the program. The Facebook Live Cooking series was also received well by local media and was even featured on the front page of the Ledger Independent in Maysville, KY.

The current plan is for the series to continue in the future with other recipes for crockpots, instapots, and maybe even grilling tips for the summer. With people becoming busier and busier, programs like these help ensure that the Extension Office continues to impact people’s lives near and far.

Preparation of Peach Crisp from the viewers perspective during a session of the Facebook Live Cooking Series.