In March of 2020, at the beginning of the COVID-19 shutdown, all in-person programming at the Lincoln County Extension Office was cancelled. In order to address this gap in programming, it became necessary to utilize other methods of education delivery in the community.  One method that was employed by the Lincoln County Nutrition Education Program Assistant was making Grab-and-Go nutrition bags for different people in the community.  During this time of uncertainty, these bags would help keep people thinking about nutrition and healthy living, while also giving them something to look forward to in a safe, low-risk way. It would also be a good way to reach clientele in Lincoln County who had not previously been able to attend in-person programming. 

Between March and September, approximately 3,460 bags have been distributed to different organizations, groups and agencies in Lincoln County, with a few even going to Boyle County, which is currently without a Nutrition Education Program Assistant.  Organizations which have been apart of this effort include the Senior Citizen Center, Logan’s Trace Apartments, Stanford Housing Authority, Just Family Adult Day Care, Haven Pregnancy Care Center, Stanford Care and Rehabilitation, the Lincoln County Summer Feeding Program, 21^st Century Afterschool Program, Crab Orchard Commons Apartments, The Lincoln County Summer School and Migrant Program and Boneyville Baptist Church. All of these organizations were chosen because they serve primarily low-income, minority, elderly or youth audiences. As a result of the Grab-and-Go nutrition bags, participants have received education on MyPlate, CDC approved COVID-19 safety recommendations, resource management, gardening and food safety, just to name a few. While regular programming has not been possible the last several months, these bags have allowed the Lincoln County Extension Office to maintain connection to the community and foster new relationships that will help bring in more clients for future programs.