With Covid-19 shutting down in-person classes in March of 2020, the Hickman/Carlisle County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) Assistant decided to continue reaching clientele safely by choosing to use social media as a platform. Researched-based information from the "Healthy Choices for Every Body" curriculum showed how to access food and ways to stretch food dollars during a pandemic. 

A quick, private Facebook group proved to be the easiest way to provide educational content to participants. Facebook Live made it possible to give an actual date and time to watch the videos and interact with the SNAP-Ed assistant using the comments section on the live page. On average, 10adults watched each video live, with others watching the recording after the live video was posted. The total average number of participants per video was 32. A post-Qualtrics survey collected all participant data, allowing the SNAP-Ed assistant to track each participant's progress. One live video was offered and posted weekly. After eight weeks, participants showed improvement in multiple areas. The results revealed 65% ate more red, orange, and green vegetables; 87% made a positive change in food groups; 58% plan more meals before shopping; 52% make a list before grocery shopping; 55% budget enough money for food; 52%  thaw food at room temperature less often; 59% improved on being more physically active.   

One participant stated, "I liked having the information at hand when I prepared for my weekly grocery shopping." When asked to explain this, she replied, "I have the handouts and recipes on my computer, and it is easy to find instead of papers that I have to look for."

Researched-based information from the "Healthy Choices for Every Body" curriculum showed how to access food and ways to stretch food dollars during a pandemic.