For many years, Nutrition Education Program (NEP) assistants in District 1 counties were unable to get passed the receptionist at local Department of Community-Based Service (DCBS) offices.  Many assistants were ask to take a number and wait their turn, even if it was to ask permission to leave brochures, flyers and/or NEP educational materials. Due to the efforts of NEP State staff working with DCBS State staff, local DCBS office doors were opened to NEP and Cooperative Extension Service (CES).  The Area Nutrition Agent for District 1 coordinated NEP/CES presentations in 20 counties of District 1, which also included three (3) KY State University counties.  This was a team effort, consisting of NEP assistants (SNAP-Ed/EFNEP) and County Extension Agents, sharing with DCBS local staff, educational opportunities and programs available to limited resource audiences.  The NEP presentation included a description of the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum; examples of program reinforcements; adult enrollment procedure, and youth programs.  A food sample with recipe was also provided. Extension Agents presented programs and newsletters from all program areas.

What we learned from our visits with DCBS staff was that they did not know about SNAP-Ed and/or EFNEP programs available to their clientele.  In addition, 80% of the counties were not aware of the educational programs and opportunities available at their County Extension Offices. All County DCBS Office staff showed much interest in NEP and CES programs, were engaged in discussions, and asked lots of questions.  DCBS staff were welcoming and positive about developing a partnership with NEP and CES.  We were given 30 minutes to present, but each visit last an hour because of interest in NEP and CES.

As a result of NEP/CES presentations, 75% of DCBS staff members signed for one or more County Extension newsletters.  50% of counties in District 1 reported improved communication (i.e. promotional displays in lobbies and being very receptive to NEP assistants posting or leaving flyers, recipes, Chop Chop magazines, etc.).  Bracken County FCS Agent presents monthly Healthy Living classes at DCBS and has planned a Food Preservation series. Lawrence County NEP assistants enrolled and graduated seven (7) participants from the Job Readiness Activities (JRA) program; Martin County SNAP-Ed assistant enrolled participants from Protection and Permanency.   And, KY Career Center contacts were made for potential reach of limited resource audiences.

Although NEP/CES has made strides during the past six months to improve communication with DCBS Offices, there is still room for improvement in reaching limited resource audiences.  With the upcoming changes to Medicaid and SNAP benefit requirements, NEP assistants anticipate communication to keep improving with DCBS and KY Careers Centers.