Author: Sherri Broderick
Planning Unit: Gallatin County CES
Major Program: Food Preparation and Preservation
Plan of Work: Family Consumer Science
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
Due to COVID 19 restrictions in person Family and Consumer Science (FCS) programming typically held at the Extension Office were cancelled. Gallatin County FCS collaborated with Pendleton County FCS to host virtual food preparation classes. Participants pick up grab and go bags with program materials and recipe ingredients at the Extension Office. They then log on virtually to the class to participate and learn in their own kitchen. As an Extension Agent using a virtual platform is a new form of education. Over the last five years, attendance of in person instruction has declined. Thirty-eight registered for the virtual Knife Skills class. In addition to the number registered, several participated with a spouse or another member of their household. Using the virtual platform, we asked participants to use their camera. By doing so, agents were given a glance into the home of participants and saw participants learn by doing in their own home. Thirty-eight learned and practiced new skills. By hosting programs virtually, a new audience of younger clientele and male clientele was reached. In addition, roughly half of the participants were first time users of Extension programs.
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