The holidays were challenging for many reasons during 2020. One of those reasons was the pandemic limiting getting together with family to celebrate traditions. It is very common to give and receive gifts during this time causing a stress on family budgets. Considering the repercussions of shut downs and quarantines, many lost jobs or were furloughed. Not to mention the strain of small business owners to make ends meet. According to the U.S Small Business Administration, Kentucky has 355,998 small business that employs 43.8% of KY employees.

The Whitley County Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Sciences program participated in the Use Less, Spend Wise challenge offered by the University of Kentucky FCS specialists. This program helped participants find ways during the holidays to use less and consider wasteful habits. Recycling information was available, as well as ways to reuse or reduce waste. Budgeting issues and tips were also given to help ease some stress on families. The Whitley County Family and Consumer Sciences program gave programming bags out to families in the community and for a local “Parent Enrichment” group. There was information and tips on how to “Use less, Spend Wisely” during the holidays, a coupon organizer, a grocery list pad, and simple recipes. Participants were encouraged to fill out a survey to help us better understand their spending concerns and tips.

Of those surveyed, most start shopping early throughout the year to relieve some spending stress (35%) and 25% use couponing or grocery store apps to help with food costs. Participants said that they save approximately $300 a year doing the tips that we provided in this packet. When asked if reducing waste. was something they felt like they can do in their daily life, 86% felt like they could make these changes easily. This program improved the way families felt about spending and recycling in Whitley County.