Describe the Issue or Situation.

Many families in the community face challenges in accessing fresh, healthy ingredients and lack knowledge about preparing nutritious meals. Additionally, there is a need for greater engagement with local health and wellness resources to promote holistic well-being. The community expressed a desire for opportunities to learn about nutrition, connect with local farms, and access practical health information that could improve family health habits.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

To address these concerns, a collaborative Community Meal Kit event was organized by Mercy Health, the local Extension Office, Elk Hollow Farms, and Brandenburg Farm. The event offered an interactive health fair, where families gathered ingredients for a healthy meal kit by visiting partner booths. These booths provided both the ingredients and valuable health-related information, including nutritional guidance from a dietitian, physical activity tips, and mental and spiritual health resources. The recipe featured was the "Ramen Skillet Dinner," and participants had the opportunity to sample the dish before taking their meal kits home. Local farms contributed fresh produce, enhancing the event’s emphasis on nutrition and community support.

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

The event was attended by 50 families from the local community who preregistered for the experience. Participants ranged from young families with children to older adults, reflecting a diverse audience interested in improving their health and learning about nutritious meal preparation. A specific area of focus was engaging children in the learning process through an activity station designed just for them,.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.

This event successfully combined education, community engagement, and practical health resources into one seamless experience. By incorporating local farms and health experts, it provided families with the knowledge and tools they need to improve their health while fostering connections with local resources. It was a true community effort and a step forward in promoting wellness for families in the area.