As the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted food supplies in early 2020, many families began looking for ways to produce their own vegetables at home. However, many lacked the expertise to do so. To address this need, Johnson Co. Extension sought and received a grant of $11,300 to conduct the Grow Appalachia program with 48 Johnson County families. The program includes education as well as technical assistance and inputs for production. 

The pandemic further complicated educational efforts by making in-person meetings difficult. The staff utilized an outdoor projection screen and an FM transmitter to allow participants to stay in their vehicles during the program. The first program was held March 8th with this technology and provided participants with instruction on site selection, soil testing, and site preparation. During their exit from the parking lot, 30 participants reported to staff that they had learned new information about where to place a garden and to avoid tilling during early spring when pollinators may still be hibernating in the soil.