Author: Bonnie Sigmon
Planning Unit: Laurel County CES
Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture
Plan of Work: Strengthening Local Food Systems and Accessing Nutritious Foods
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
In March of 2020 Kentucky declared a state of emergency because of a global pandemic and we were told to shelter at home. Due to this order traditional Extension programming had to be put on hold, but the need for research based information was greater than ever. In addition to answering phone calls and communicating through social media, the Laurel County Cooperative Extension offered 10 programs in To-Go Bags. Families were offered a different bag and topic each week. Topics included such things as cooking through the calendar, kids in the kitchen, thrill of the grill, 4H Rocks, fun family finance, and gardening. Bags included researched based information as well as activities that could be completed as a family. Approximately 255 families received the to-go bags. Of those families 47 completed evaluations and 89% stated that they have learned new skills and had made changes because of the programs. Of those making changes, 17% said that they made healthier lifestyle choices, and engaged the family in more quality time together; 13% put into practice some stress management techniques; 23% spent more time cooking family meals; 15% started a garden and 4% improved their finances.
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