Minnesota Extension reaches diverse audiences with financial information

Minnesota Extension reaches diverse audiences with financial information

When the coronavirus pandemic struck, University of Minnesota Extension educators took notice of the unique struggles of people of color. Not only were they at greater risk of contracting COVID-19, but they also experienced higher rates of job loss, worsening existing problems of food insecurity and the threat of eviction.

Extension personnel quickly turned their attention to providing information on surviving the health and economic crisis to those who needed it most. And they found creative ways to do so.

They created Spanish-language resources about sudden income loss, COVID-19 prevention, food assistance and stimulus payments. Information posted online was translated into Spanish and Somali. In one Latino community, Extension educators used a weekly book club to share information with the participants.

One Extension educator began hosting a Spanish-language show on local radio to spread financial and health information related to the pandemic. He was initially invited to be on air for just one hour. That turned into four hours and, ultimately, an invitation to be a regular feature on the station.