With an estimated 9,397 Barren County residents living in poverty and many others living as working poor, a substantial number of families make too little to afford a basic budget. Promoting healthy financial behaviors is a priority for Barren County and the Smart Shopping Tips program set out to do this through education on grocery shopping budgeting, meal planning, and food storage and freezing techniques.

The Barren County Extension Agent for FCS presented the program on two different occasions. The first program was organized by an area Women of Wellness group and was held at the Barren County Innovation Zone (Barren County Schools); this session included a hands on meal planning/cooking activity using the facilities commercial education kitchen. The second program was held at the Barren County Cooperative Extension Service. 

A total of 29 individuals were served during these programs and educated on smart shopping tips. A written survey was conducted at the end of the presentation. All participants said that the information was practical and that they understood some basic tips on how to save money on groceries and meal planning. Participants described their appreciation of the program and when questioned about the most significant thing that they would apply the following responses were recorded among others: “Budgeting and making out menus in advance.” “Refrigerator and freezer storage chart list is amazing.” “Don’t rinse chicken.” “Do not put frozen food in crock-pot.” One mother and daughter duo in attendance expressed that they had heard about the event via Facebook; the daughter further detailed that she came to discover strategies to more effectively use her $200 monthly SNAP benefits. Students also expressed interest in participating in additional meal planning and budgeting programs in the future.