This past fall a series of 4-H hands-on cooking classes were held at City Heights, a local public housing community isolated from the city of Covington due to its location high on a hill.  Youth made pizza, pancakes, chicken tacos, soup and more as they learned nutrition information about each food.  Enthusiasm and interest were high.  Youth learned proper measuring methods, knife skills and other practical cooking skills.   Youth tried everything they made, even if it was a food new to them.  These typical 4-H program interactions were disrupted due to COVID 19 social distancing limitations.  These limitations drastically changed the way youth socialize, learn, and have fun.  Alternate methods of reaching the limited resource youth in the community needed to occur.

Creative methods were used.   Forty-one art kits were developed that youth would enjoy, contain all necessary supplies and directions. In addition, every kit had nutrition fact sheets, recipes or paper and pencil games included in the kit.  This way the nutrition education became a part of the activity.  Kits were geared for differing age levels from preschool though upper elementary school.  In addition, 50 Chop Chop magazines and 20 activity books were provided.  The kits, magazines and books were delivered to City Heights following physical distancing recommendations.  The food program was transitioned to a pick-up system instead of the traditional eat-in style.  Food managers distributed the kits to youth as they picked up to-go food bags.

During two June pick-up times this 4-H agent stood outside wearing appropriate face coverings and spoke with parents and youth to help each family find appropriate activities for each child in the family.  The parents were very appreciative, and the youth were excited to have a kit of their own.   An additional 55 art kits and 18 nutrition activity kits were distributed during this time. The site coordinator said, “Thank you for not forgetting us.” This is one way youth were able stay included in 4-H programming, as well as, reap the mental health benefits associated with creative art activities and be exposed to nutrition education.