In March of 2020 COVID-19 effected the way Cooperative Extension conducted Nutrition Education classes with under- served families in Perry County. Supplemental nutrition assistant program (SNAP-ED) assistant senior in Perry County partnered with Save the Children to conduct a series of 7 Nutrition Education classes using University of Ky Nutrition Education Healthy Choices for Every Body Curriculum. Perry County having several food deserts, Food security being a problem in Perry County program was focusing on Food security and food resource management. Starting of series participants were ask to fill out a survey. Due to COVID-19 the class was moved to virtual classes using a closed Facebook live group. Participants were ask to do entry survey. After completing the series participants were ask to do exit survey. Upon completing exit survey participants resulting in the group of 11 participants 73% showed improvement in Food security and 82% improvement in Food resource management. SNAP-ED Assistant Senior received an email from one participant. Email is attached.   

Dear Reda,  

   My name is Amanda and I’ve been going to your classes both in person and online (via Facebook) for quite some time. I’d just like to say that I’ve truly enjoyed them all and love all the UK cooking stuff that you sent. I use the large white bowl all the time, as well as the measuring cups, measuring spoons, multiuse blue spatula, green strainer, the cold food bag (which I take to the lake all the time) and all the collapsible stuff. Me and my 3 kids all have matching blue UK aprons now thanks to you and they love wearing them to match their mommy while we cook together. We use our cutting boards all the time too. 

   Also in watching your videos, we (me & the kids) have been talking about food safety (while using the meat thermometer you sent); we’ve discussed the cost of each item and how to break down food costs which helps us to lower our grocery budget. We spend at most $100/person/month. We always have something green to eat at every meal and try to make Healthy Choices as much as possible. For example tonight we had Taco Salad’s with homemade Pico de Gallo and Guacamole. We used black beans to make the meat go further and bump up the nutrients. 

   I’d suggest your program to anyone / everyone. I feel like more people need to learn how to not only cook healthier meals for their family but also how to budget for those meals. 

   As part of my appreciation, we took a few pictures of us using your items to show how much to love them and use them often. Thank you for everything you do. 

                   Sincerely, Amanda & Kids