In the middle of March 2020, many businesses, restaurants, and schools in Kentucky closed to in-person traffic because of a global pandemic.  Families and community members were encouraged to stay home except for essential business and items.  Families were suddenly working from home, keeping up with non-traditional school instruction for their children, maintaining social distancing when in public, trying to avoid the public, and running a household all at the same time.  The stress level among families rose significantly.  

Cooperative Extension recognized the need for a change in programming and the Caldwell County Cooperative Extension Office rose to the challenge.  The 4-H Youth Development, Family & Consumer Sciences, and Agriculture and Natural Resources agents, along with the SNAP-Ed Senior Program Assistant began the Grab N Go Extension Programs.  Grab Bags filled with educational information and activities were created and placed outside the office for community members to pick up.  Grab Bags were also distributed at the local food bank as well as included with the food for children in the backpack program. Grab Bag themes included Family Garden Kit; Money, Money, Money; Owl Pellet Dissection; Wally Cat Handwashing Kit; Laugh & Learn Teeth Brushing; Laugh & Learn Physical Activity; Family Olympics, Spring Break in a Bag; 4-H Jellyfish Bracelets; Hopscotch Family Activity Kit; and more!  Grab Bags were designed to encourage family bonding, physical activity, the development of kindergarten readiness skills, proper handwashing techniques, the development of money management skills, and healthy eating.    A total of 2240 bags were distributed to families in Caldwell County.  One participant stated, “We love the grab bags.  They include fun new ways to learn.” Another participant said, “I love the fun, inexpensive ways to get active and involved with my kiddos!”  Still another participant stated, “My son loves cooking and has learned about measurements.

In addition to the Grab N Go Programs, the Family & Consumer Sciences Agent and SNAP-Ed Senior Program Assistant developed a virtual cooking challenge.  Demonstration videos of Slow Cooker Recipes were produced and shared via social media.  Grab Bags filled with recipes and key ingredients were put together for participants.  A total of 60 Grab Bags were distributed.  Participants were encouraged to make healthy choices and follow food safety guidelines.  The videos were viewed by 596 people.  Participants surveyed stated that they planned to experiment with a variety of spices when cooking and plan more meals in advance as a result of participating in the virtual cooking challenge.