Teenage pregnancy, babies born out of wedlock, and children born to low income families is more the reality than not these days. This is no different for the residents of Spencer County. This year the Spencer County FCS, 4H and Agriculture agents, in conjunction with the Family Resource & Youth Service Centers, and the Health Department planned the Spencer County Community Baby Shower.  The agriculture agent was in charge of registration for the event.

This program focuses on soon to be, or have a child up to 12 months, mothers and fathers from low income families and allows them to visit booths of people and organizations that provide key factors in raising children. Key factors being education on birth, pediatrics, breastfeeding, basic nutrition, insurance, preschool and much more. 24 families attended this drive thru program. Many organizations had booths set up and some of those included the Family Resource and Youth Service Center, Spencer County Extension Office, NCDHD HANDS, CECC, Spencer County CAN, and Seven Counties.

Since this program was held during the COVID pandemic, it was held in the Extension Office’s parking lot where social distancing, masks and hand sanitizer were all set in place. The Extension Office had a booth handing out nutrition information, healthy recipes, SNAP education products, and answered questions on nurturing families and life skills. Each family drove around to each station where they received multiple items to help care for baby, such as car seats, diapers, clothing, and monitors. Organizations and many others donated an In-Kind amount of $6,500.

Due to this program, youth and adults have been educated on basic nutrition and healthy choices for baby. They can use this information to care for their growing babies and families properly, as well as, teach others to do the same. Attending this event also provided each family with key items needed to raise a newborn saving the families $750+ in the first year.