Our unofficial motto in the Nutrition Education Program has always been, “We are nothing, if not flexible”. Over the years the program has seen changes in budgets, in reporting systems, in leadership, in curricula, in office space and in coworkers. One thing that has not changed however is our unwavering dedication to serving families in need.

2020 and the Covid 19 pandemic have made the challenges we faced in the past feel like child play. The success of our program depended on our ability to meet families where they are, both literally and figuratively. All of that changed when we found ourselves unable to go into community centers, churches, food pantries and schools. The dilemma was, how can we educate if we cannot meet?

Assistants within the program used their computers to file reports and send emails. During quarantine we learned to use them to navigate programs such as Zoom, Google Classroom, Vimeo and Facebook Live. While it would have been easy to feel helpless and overwhelmed, we adapted and found ways to bring education, hope and light to our previous participants. We were also able to engage individuals who had never heard of Extension or the Nutrition Education Program.

We have been able to share educational materials such as recipes that helped parents use foods they received from pantries and government food assistance program; foods that they otherwise might have thrown away not knowing how to prepare it. We provided virtual classes that families could access through various platforms and videos encouraging them to work together to learn how to cook, to increase physical activity or to properly wash their hands and practice food safety to lower the risk of contracting the virus.

Many assistants went out into their communities to help distribute food and share activity packets and nutrition materials to youth as they received meal deliveries through their schools. We learned and taught others how to plant a Victory garden, which provided fresh nutritious foods, increased physical activity and family connections.

All of this was possible because the people that fund our program believe in the power of our efforts. Our leaders supported our efforts and quickly provided training to make the changes needed to continue to serve. We came together virtually as a state-wide team. Secure outlets were created where we could share ideas and successes and challenge one another to step outside of our comfort zones. Many assistants demonstrated their previously hidden talents.  Out of necessity, we learned more in these past few month than we could have learned in years.  

When the virus is under control and things go back to “normal”, we will be better prepared to face the next challenges and to continue to grow and change using the new skills we have learned during the past six months. Without a doubt we have proven that we are nothing, if not flexible.