Recruitment continues to be a challenge for Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistants. Since NEP lessons are taught primarily in group settings, locating individuals in group settings who are eligible for SNAP benefits, is not an easy task.  Area Agent encourages NEP assistants to be mindful of new programs and agencies in their communities that target our NEP audience. To promote SNAP-Ed and EFNEP, Area Agent continues to network and form relationships with agencies, who work with or assist SNAP eligible audiences. Since the Department of Community-Based Services –Family Support (DCBS) presentations last year in District 1, we have made progress by recruiting adults who are participants in the Job Readiness Assistance (JRA) program through the KY Works Program a Division of Family Support.  This agency prepares individuals for employment activities designed to remove barriers to employment.  Therefore, SNAP-Ed is an activity that qualifies for their participants. Carter, Boyd, Mason and Lawrence are actively participating with JRA groups.   The Carter County SNAP-Ed assistant is covering Elliott County JRA groups due to their request for SNAP-Ed.

Lawrence County NEP assistants increased their adult enrollments at Addiction Recovery Care Center sites.  In addition to the four centers they currently work with, they now enroll adults at the Lackey Center for men.  All five sites participate in NEP’s Recovery Garden projects.  Boyd County SNAP-Ed assistant now works with Sanibel House, an Addiction Recovery Care facility for men in Catlettsburg, KY.  Approximately 20 men are enrolled; and they are also participating in a Recovery Garden project.

Addiction Recovery Care Centers are primarily located in District 1 and 2.District 1 and 2 Area Agents are working toward presenting at a staff meeting.  There are currently 33 centers.

Other new developments worth noting:  NEP assistants in Lewis and Martin have established a working relationship with DCBS Child Protection Services for adult enrollment.  Mason County and Boyd County NEP assistants presented at recent DCBS staff meetings.