On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a global pandemic. The entire country was shut down except for declared essential workers. There was a mandatory order that groups were unable to assemble due to possible public health.

The Shelby County Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Agent and Nutrition Education Program Assistant addressed the situation by delivering educational activities and publications on the Extension Office's front porch. As reported by a participant, "We enjoyed the Victory Garden packet. It had a wonderful re-usable garden calendar, and we planted a garden with the seeds that were enclosed."  

Grab and Go packets with publications were placed on the Extension porch each week with rotating themes including the Sizzlin’ Summer Series, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on proper handwashing, the University of Kentucky's College of Agriculture and Food and Environment's Nutrition Education Program recipes for budget-friendly & healthy food and tips for growing produce. The activities and publications helped promote positive behavior changes. A follow up survey revealed that people had used the information to increase positive parenting behaviors, engage in self-care techniques, increase physical activity levels and try many new nutritious recipes.    The Grab and Go packets helped people to not only survive but to thrive during the pandemic.