Since the outbreak of Covid-19 families throughout Kentucky and the nation have found themselves in the situation of having to cook more often at home. This pandemic has put an end to going through a drive-thru or sitting down at a restaurant three to four times a week. New skills such as planning, using what is in your pantry, and feeding your family a healthy, well rounded meal has become the new normal for families.

In an attempt to help some of these families, the Meade County Cooperative Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program Assistant created a weekly Family Chopped Cooking Challenge on Facebook. The competition was open to ten families which registered on the Meade County Nutrition Education’s Facebook page. Mystery bags were placed in the front foyer for each family to pick up at the Extension office that consisted of four nonperishable items, some kitchen utensils and the instructions. Together as a family they would create a healthy recipe that included the four provided items along with any other items they may have in their pantry. This program was designed to create family involvement and awareness to think about new ways to use items they already have and maybe never thought of combining. Which in turn will help them in their future planning of meals.

The program was a huge success, 85% of the families were new to the Meade County Cooperative Extension Service. The program was conducted for six weeks, with ten new families each week for a total of 60 families. The creations were amazing. The participants enjoyed the excitement it brought their family. 

Several families thanked the assistant for the opportunity:

“The girls enjoyed it so much! It made them feel so grown up making up a new recipe.”

 “We had a lot of fun! Mom really enjoyed it, she said she felt important!”

“I was surprised at how tasty it was. I’ve never tried sweet potato and cream cheese in the same dish.”

One of the winners commented, “We had so much fun doing the challenge that this is just icing on the ‘pie’ for us! ?? Thanks for putting this together for all the families to enjoy!!”