During the uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic the Allen County Cooperative Extension Service Nutrition Education Program felt it was important to maintain presence and consistent communication within the Allen County community. In an effort to reach a large number of Allen County community members with important educational materials the Allen County Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant partnered with a local grocery store to share information related to health and nutrition. 

Allen County community members who visited the grocery store were able to easily access healthy recipe cards which were strategically placed throughout the store in close proximity to fresh fruits and vegetables. These recipes encouraged the shoppers to try a new healthy recipe and incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into their diet. Consumers were also provided a copy of the University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Healthy at Home newsletter upon checkout at the grocery store. This newsletter shared important information about how to stay health and active at home. 

More than 3200 healthy recipe cards and Healthy at Home newsletters were distributed to community members over a five month period. This unique communication method provided a way for the Allen County NEP Assistant to promote healthy eating, physical activity, and healthy mental health habits during a time when in-person programming and meetings were restricted.