The COVID-19 Pandemic has caused a significant increased demand for emergency food boxes as more families face layoffs and cutbacks here in Bell County.

Bell County’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Assistant through the University of Kentucky partnered with Lighthouse Mission and Cooperative Christian Ministry food banks to get Nutrition information and healthy recipes in food boxes for families in the community. Sharing information and recipes from our Healthy Choices for Every Body Curriculum on how to store and prepare the food they receive will cut back on waste and items expiring due to just sitting on the shelf and not knowing how to prepare them.  Pairing specific recipes with foods they receive in their food boxes will help them prepare healthy nutritious meals for their families. One recipient stated “I was so happy to see recipes in my food box. Sometimes it’s hard to think of ways to use some of things you receive. These recipes will give me the opportunity to prepare healthier meals when feeding my family, Thank you.”

 By partnering with the food banks the SNAP-Ed Program Assistant was able to reach 450 families throughout Bell County. Giving them resources to help through these tough times and being here for them in the future will leave a lasting impact on our county.