The COVID19 pandemic has negatively affected many families and individuals throughout the nation. Many families have been faced with challenges such as unexpected unemployment, layoffs or reduced pay, virtual learning from home for students, and lack of access to youth programs and childcare. Because of these challenges and reduced income many families have relied on federal, state and local programs for financial assistance and food resulting in an increased utilization of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Logan County Cooperative Extension Service developed a plan to encourage local citizens to utilize their SNAP benefits at the Logan County Farmers Market to increase consumption of fresh and local produce. Logan County Cooperative Extension Agents, staff support and Nutrition Education Program assistant partnered together with the Logan County and Russellville Independent School districts to conduct a community outreach project.

The program was conducted as an outdoor drive-thru event. Each family received a bag for each child; Bags included water bottles, sunglasses, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, bubble art instructions, kid friendly recipes, laundry detergent, snacks, and a board game. At the end of the drive-thru event the families also received $3 in Farmers Market bucks to use the day of the event or throughout the season at the Logan County farmers market.  

A total of 435 Logan county residents attended ‘Sweet Summertime’ drive-thru event.  A total of $655 farmers market bucks have been turned in thus far for the Logan County Farmer’s Market from the Sweet Summertime attendees. The event was an overall success and allowed the Logan County Extension Service and Nutrition Education Program to reach out to families during a difficult time and encourage families to stay healthy and active while practicing Kentucky’s Healthy at Home initiative.