Success StorySummer Partnership with Bookmobile for Housing Outreach
Summer Partnership with Bookmobile for Housing Outreach
Author: Angela Freeman
Planning Unit: Taylor County CES
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Outcome: Initial Outcome
According to Feeding America, 14.9% percent of families in Taylor County were food insecure in 2020. 69% of families were below SNAP and other nutrition programs of 200% of the poverty level. (Feeding America Food Insecurity Map). According to Campbellsville Housing Authority, 240 children live in a total of 4 housing communities where most families fall in these income requirements.
The Nutrition Education Assistant discovered that the library's bookmobile would be making regular summer stops at housing communities. She reached out to the housing ROSS program (Resident Opportunity and Self Sufficiency) coordinator and Campbellsville Schools' Family Resource Center to discuss possible programs and outreach for these children. The ROSS coordinator published the stops in their monthly newsletter and provided the group with numbers for each community. She noted there was one additional community not on the July schedule, so that area was added to stops in August. The Family Resource Center director planned crafts for the stops in June. The Nutrition Education Assistant provided nutritious snacks and ice water. She also sampled fruit flavored waters, such as strawberry, orange blueberry, and watermelon. One youth group has been formed at David and Ray Streets, where up to 20 attend each Wednesday. Children were provided information on healthy snacking and drinking more water. Families received Healthy Choices newsletters and recipes. The bookmobile has free books that do not have to be checked out or returned, but those who return books get a prize. Adults and children can take up to 2 books or magazines per week. This partnership has allowed the Nutrition Education Assistant an opportunity to meet families and children that do not live near the Ravine Way Community Center, where adult classes have met for several years. Plans are to continue at least monthly visits to these areas away from the community center to build relationships with families and provide education during these short visits.
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