The pandemic of 2020 has changed the way Extension does business. As a result, the state Extension system has been very proactive in meeting the needs of clientele in non-traditional ways. Local and state Extension professionals have been working together to ensure programming remains constant and the outcome of these programs are being measured to determine Extension’s reach and impact. For example, one initiative that is being implemented by a majority of Kentucky’ counties is the “Grab-n-Go” bags. These are resources provided through the county Extension offices and made available to clientele. The bags contain a variety of resources - from nutritional tips to at-home youth activities to arts and crafts for the family. In most cases, the bags are placed outside of the office for clientele to pick up throughout the week.

 In response to the number of counties engaging in this program idea, the Director of Program & Staff Development created a survey that would function as a common measures tool to capture state-wide data. Counties were asked to include a card in each bag with a QR Code to access the online survey. Within only two weeks (May 24 – June 13) of utilizing the survey, over 300 responses have been received. Data collection will continue on through the next fiscal year. However, preliminary findings reveal that Kentuckians are thoroughly enjoying the resources. Nearly 40% have returned to the Extension offices five or more times to pick up bags in hopes of getting more information from Extension (youth programming and arts/crafts exercises were perceived favorites thus far). Over 90% reported learning new arts and craft skills, while 67% reported that their children learned new skills. In addition, 78% indicated that their children’s Non-Traditional Instruction (i.e., in-home educational experience as a result of youth being out of school during spring 2020) has been enhanced due to the resources Extension provided. The Program and Staff Development Unit will continue to monitor the impact of this project and will work with counties to aid in the evaluation of local efforts.