Extension Meets a Need During Coronavirus

As coronavirus emerged into our state, many people’s world fell apart seemingly overnight.  Jobs were lost and many lost all means of income in a blink of an eye.  Many, found themselves unable to provide the basic necessities for their families like food, and had no idea where to call for help because they had never needed assistance before.   After recognizing this need in the community the Laurel County Extension Office teamed together with other agencies in the county to offer two food giveaways targeted at working families.  On Friday, April 24^th and Friday, June 26^th, with the help of God’s Pantry Food Bank,  United Way, and the Laurel County School system we offered our first ever drive through food distributions trying to reach families that needed help for the first time.  With many hours spent by several volunteers, we prepackaged food so that families could drive through the parking lot and stop at three different stations to receive food staples, meat, milk, and fruit.  Families also received information of food safety, food storage, preparing meals, food preservation and gardening.  Approximately 465 Laurel County families were reached with this much needed help.   Families received enough food to feed a family of 4 for a week, but received much more as Extension worked for several weeks to connect these families with services throughout Laurel County, so they would know where to go for additional help.