Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges it has created in face to face education, new methods to reach clients have been created. KentuckyHealthFacts.org reported 14% of Martin County adult residents have a prevalence of diabetes and 60% prevalence of hypertension. To address this issue, the Martin County Nutrition Education Program partnered with the Martin County Agricultural/Natural Resources Agent to provide “Healthy Seasonings with Fresh Herbs Grab and Go Kits.

Twenty-five Grab and Go Kits were made available for the public to pick up outside of the Martin County Extension Office, with social distancing rules in place. The kits contained fresh herb plants, garden gloves, farmer’s market totes, measuring spoons, healthy salt-free recipes, herbs and spices information sheets, gardening calendars and gardening instruction sheets. All 25 kits were picked up and several individuals posted pictures of their potted herb plants on the Martin County Extension Facebook page. Several individuals that received the kits stated,“ I am so excited to grow something for the first time” and “ thank-you for helping me make healthier food choices with the information you gave in the kits.”

With the kits provided, the public gained knowledge as to the importance of limiting salt, sugar and fats in their diets and healthy alternatives to season their foods. Proper gardening instructions and tips were also provided through information sheets and gardening calendars to enable individuals to grow their own produce.