Kids In the Kitchen

Stacey Stephens

Harrison County

With the widespread COVID-19 outbreak shutting down much of Kentucky in early March 2020, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-Ed) education assistant within the Harrison County Extension Office had to find new ways to connect with her target audience. March 25, 2020, Governor Andy Beshear signed an executive order to help Kentuckians stay healthy. On April 16, 2020, a Facebook Live event brought adults and youth together in the kitchen to learn about food safety as well as how to read/prepare a recipe. This virtual event gave the participants a chance to connect with others while staying healthy at home. The event included six adults, and ten youth between the ages of 3-14.  Each participant received a grab and go bag that was picked up at the Harrison County Extension office prior to the virtual event. The bags included: a cutting mat, Quick Creamy Banana Pudding recipe, Wally Cat apron, Wally Cat hand washing publication, and SNAP-Ed food safety publications.

Families participated by watching Facebook live, answering food safety questions in the comments, and preparing the recipe alongside the SNAP-Ed program assistant on Facebook live. All participants were encouraged to share pictures and comments about their experience.  All six adults commented they enjoyed the recipe, the time spent with the youth, and several commented that it help their youth not only learn about food safety, but also with reading and math skills.