Proposal for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Nutrition Education (SNAP-Ed) in Menominee and Shawano Counties during Fiscal Year 2014

Transcription

1 Proposal for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Nutrition Education (SNAP-Ed) in Menominee and Shawano Counties during Fiscal Year 2014 Overview of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Nutrition Education (SNAP-Ed) in Menominee and Shawano Counties The Wisconsin Nutrition Education Program in Menominee and Shawano Counties will continue to provide services to eligible populations through varied educational strategies. In efforts to reach more people and have a greater impact in both communities, SNAP-Ed seeks to diversify SNAP-Ed through new partnerships. Specifically, this program will work more closely with adult social service programs and with local schools. This is in addition to food pantries and parents of infants and children. These varied partnerships will provide opportunities to deliver nutrition education to a wide audience. Nutrition education is a needed service as both counties rank either at or near bottom in the Public Health Rankings. As a result, other goals for the program will address local program awareness and local coalition building. SNAP-Ed is an established program in Menominee and Shawano Counties but program awareness must continue to be a priority. It is our goal to increase public awareness about SNAP-Ed so that we are a sought out resource in both counties. Further, participation in community collaborations that either addresses the public health rankings or increases access to fresh fruits and vegetables will also be program goals. These goals are inherently tied together and success with both will further strengthen SNAP-Ed and the communities. Over the past few years, SNAP-Ed programming has slowly expanded in both Menominee and Shawano counties. In Menominee County/Nation, two new partners have been added in the last year and this has significantly increased the number of people that are receiving nutrition education. Nutrition education is now offered to adults, parents of children, and youth, with strategies like group lessons and learn while you wait displays being implemented. SNAP-Ed is largely absent from local schools and this will be implemented in the upcoming program year. In Shawano County, SNAP-Ed programming continues to grow with one new partner being added. Nutrition education is now offered to adults, parents of children, and children, with strategies like group lessons and learn while you wait displays being implemented. SNAP-Ed is very present in the Shawano School District and a greater focus for the upcoming program year will be to provide education to more adults. Menominee County/Nation has an estimated population of 4,340 residents as reported by the 2010 Census; 84% of the populations is Native American, 13% White, and 12% White persons not Hispanic. It is important to note that Menominee County/Nation has a very young population when compared with the rest of the state; 33% of the population in Menominee County/Nation is under the age of 18 compared to 23% for the State. Of the entire population in Menominee County/Nation, 29.8% are below poverty level with a median household income of $32,017. This is $20,357 less than the State of Wisconsin. Unemployment in the County is the highest in the State with most recent unemployment statistics at 15% for Menominee County while compared to 7.2% in the state. Other important statistics for the community are the Public Health Rankings and related data and participation in free/reduced lunch. Menominee County/Nation continues to be ranked last in the Public Health Rankings meaning that out of Wisconsin s 72 counties, Menominee County is ranked as the least healthy. Menominee County has the highest rates of diabetes, with 13% of adults over the age of 20 with diagnosed diabetes compared to the State at 8%. Obesity is also a health issue and percentage obesity increased from 25% in 2010 to 36% in 2013; this is higher than the State average of 29%. The Public

2 Health Rankings show that Menominee County/Nation is not improving and in some areas, like obesity, health issues continue to worsen. For the Menominee Indian School District, efforts to promote student health and decrease child obesity are a major focus. Breakfast and lunch are free to all students and well over 80% of children are eligible for either free or reduced lunch. During the school year, children are receiving at least two nutritionally balanced meals a day. Recently, the Menominee Indian District was selected to participate in the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable program. This program brings in fresh fruits and vegetables to children on a regular basis and is an opportunity to try new foods. Student health and obesity are on-going concerns and a focus for not only the school district but for other service providers as well. Shawano County has an estimated population of 41,607 residents as reported by the 2010 Census; 89.5% of the populations is White, 7.6% Native American, and 2.3% persons of Hispanic or Latino origin. Of the entire population in Shawano County, 11.3% are below poverty level with a median household income of $45,587. This is $6,787 less than the State of Wisconsin. Unemployment in the County is higher than the State with most recent unemployment statistics at 9.3% for Shawano County while compared to 7.2% in the state. Other important statistics for the community are the Public Health Rankings and related data and participation in free/reduced lunch. Shawano County continues to fall in the Public Health Rankings; in 2010, Shawano County was ranked 21 out of 72 counties and since that time has fallen 42 places and is ranked 63 in the 2013 Public Health Rankings. Shawano County diabetes rates are 2% higher than the State s at 10%. Obesity is also a health issue and % obesity in Shawano County is 30%; this is slightly higher than the State average of 29%. Participation in the free and reduced school lunch program has increased as well with 8 of 15 schools having over 50% of students eligible for free and reduced lunch. These statistics illustrate the current health picture in Shawano County. The aforementioned statistics help to shape the directions and priorities of SNAP-Ed in both counties. Increasing poverty, the continued poor rankings in the Public Health Rankings for both Menominee County/Nation and Shawano County, and increased participation in free reduced lunch in the local school districts are indicators of the communities need for nutrition education. Two major priorities for SNAP- Ed will be to increase nutrition education opportunities for both adults and children. Adults are the role models for children and adults control food purchases for their families; to have an impact on children and reinforce nutrition education children are receiving at schools, it is important to educate adults as well. Reaching both audiences is necessary to improve nutrition and overall food security. While there is either no major programming or priority revision being implemented in FY14, there will be an effort to develop new partnerships with schools and social service agencies. SNAP-Ed s presence in the Menominee Indian School District is minimal and there is no presence at the Menominee Tribal School. In FY14, it will be a priority to introduce and maintain SNAP-Ed in both Keshena Primary School and Menominee Tribal School. While SNAP-Ed is reaching adults at food pantries and WIC clinics, it will be important to expand education to more adults through group lessons. At least one new partnership will be established with a local domestic violence shelter. These new partnerships will support FY14 goals. Educational Projects Proposed for FY14 Menominee County/Nation and Shawano County(s) will offer SNAP-Ed educational programming in association with the following Educational Projects during FY14: In School (K 12) After School/Summer Programs (K 12)

3 WIC clinics Food Pantries/Free meal programs Other programs for adults Major educational programming efforts during fiscal year 2014 will focus on the following Educational Projects: In School. Teaching groups of children and youth in grades K - 12 during the school day, including school-based programs for pregnant and parenting teens. According to the Wisconsin Food Security Project, food insecurity for children in both Menominee County/Nation and Shawano County was predicted at 34.9% and 28.1% in 2010 respectively. Further all students in the Menominee Indian School District receive free lunches while participation in free and reduced lunch increased in Shawano County in Child nutrition and childhood obesity have been identified by at least one of the counties as a community wide focus. Nutrition education will be provided to schools that have 50% or higher of their children receiving free or reduced lunch. In FY14, 8 elementary schools and 2 high schools in school districts in both Menominee County/Nation and Shawano County will participate in SNAP-Ed. Programming will be in alignment with the recommendations provided by the In School Core Curriculum Work Group. Topics that will be taught include food safety, choosing healthful foods, fruits and vegetables, milk, beverages, foods with less fat, foods with less added sugars, and preparing healthy recipes. Major programming partners include the Menominee Indian School District (Keshena) Menominee Tribal School (Neopit), Shawano School District (Shawano), Bowler School District (Bowler), Gresham School District (Gresham), and Tigerton School District (Tigerton). Impacts will be measured using the evaluations identified by the In School Core Curriculum Work Group. It is anticipated 1,848 unduplicated students will be receive nutrition education with 7,434 teaching contacts. After School/Summer Programs. Teaching groups of children (K- 12) after school, summer school, school or community gardens, Boys & Girls Clubs, etc. According to the Wisconsin Food Security Project, food insecurity for children in Menominee County/Nation was predicted at 34.9% 2010.Further all students in the Menominee Indian School District receive free lunches. Child nutrition and childhood obesity have been identified by the Community Engagement Coalition, a group of local service providers that are developing a plan to address a number of social and health problems on the Menominee Indian Reservation. There will be three separate after school programs that will provide local youth with nutrition education that will help guide healthy decision making. Programming will be in alignment with the recommendations provided by the After School/Out of School Core Curriculum Work Group. Topics that will be taught include choosing healthful foods, portion awareness, fruits and vegetables, grain foods and whole grains, milk group and other calcium rich foods, choosing beverages, foods with less fat and/or solid fats, and keeping hands and surfaces clean. Major programming partners include the College of Menominee Nation (Keshena), the Woodland Boys and Girls Club (Neopit), and Safehaven Domestic Violence Shelter (Shawano). Impacts will be measured using the evaluations identified by the After School/Out of School Core Curriculum Work Group. It is anticipated there will be 840 teaching contacts in after school/summer programs.

4 Parent groups or meetings. Teaching groups that are all or primarily parents of infants and/or children at locations such as Family Resource Centers, evening programs at eligible schools, Parent/Teacher conferences, health or immunization clinics, etc. Education to parent groups will be a part of FY14 program. However, this is not a priority area. It is anticipated there will be 120 teaching contacts with parents. WIC Clinics. Teaching WIC clients at WIC and/or other places when learners have been recruited at WIC. For Menominee County/Nation, local data shows a continued need for WIC and SNAP-Ed. Food security is an issue and 48% of children are in poverty. Sugary beverage consumption is high for children (16.9% vs. 6.0% for the State) and both pregnant moms and post-partum moms have inadequate nutrition as evidences by vitamin and iron supplements, and folic acid. For Shawano County, local data shows a continued need for WIC and SNAP-Ed. Recent data from 2011 shows that 18.8% of children are in poverty and that 31.8% of children receive Foodshare benefits, this is higher when compared to the State s percentage at 15.8% and 30% respectively. Further, the low-income pre-school child obesity rate is 15.5%, which is slightly above the State s at 14.1% Parents have a strong influence on their children s food choices and both WIC and SNAP-Ed staff will partner to assist pregnant moms and parents of young children to acquire skills to purchase and offer affordable, nutritious foods to their family. WIC Clinics in both counties have identified obesity as a big concern. SNAP-Ed will provide monthly mini-lessons at WIC Clinics in both Menominee County/Nation and Shawano County. Topics for WIC will include lessons on the meat and bean group, fruits and vegetables, grain foods and whole grains, choosing beverages, and choosing healthful foods. Major programming partners include the Menominee Tribal Clinic WIC program (Keshena), and Shawano County WIC (Shawano). Impacts will be measured using relevant evaluations found on the WNEP website. Specific evaluations include whole grains, vary your veggies, focus on fruits, and low fat milk. It is anticipated there will be 980 teaching contacts with WIC clients. Food Pantries/Free meal programs. Teaching at food pantries, commodity food sites, etc. High poverty and high unemployment contribute to food security issues for both counties. SNAP-Ed will provide monthly mini-lessons at food pantry sites in both Menominee County/Nation and Shawano County. Topics for food pantry will include mini-lessons on choosing healthful foods, fruits and vegetables, meat and beans group, whole grains, planning healthy meals and snacks, and community programs and resources. In addition to this, nutrition lessons and food preparation lessons will be offered monthly at Food Distribution. Major programming partners include the Menominee Tribal Food Distribution (Keshena), St. Michael s Church (Keshena), and Shawano Area Food Pantry and Resource Center (Shawano). Impacts will be measured using relevant evaluations found on the WNEP website. Specific evaluations include Vary your Veggies, Focus on Fruits, and Whole Grains. It is anticipated there will be 540 teaching contacts at food pantries. Other Programs for Adults. Teaching adults (groups which are predominately not parents) at adult education programs, at Job Centers, Food stamp offices, TANF or W2 sites, community gardens, farmers markets, Economic support offices, ESL classes, sheltered housing, recovery programs, health or immunization clinics, domestic violence shelters, adults with chronic mental illness, adults

5 with developmental disabilities who are in independent living situations or those working toward independence, etc. Other Programs for Adults is an important focus and all partners have a common goal of developing selfsufficiency for program participants. The Menominee Community Resource Center, Maehnowesekiyah, JOBS Center, and Safehaven Domestic Violence Shelter, provide opportunities for program participants to receive education that develop life skills and promote healthy living. Topics have been defined by professional staff and participants with the focus being on resource management, choosing healthy foods, and buying and preparing affordable nutritious meals and snacks. Educational programming will include continued use of the Money for Food Curriculum, Stepping Up, and Sisters in Health. These curriculums help to develop life skills, identify community resources and promote healthy living. Major programming partners include the Menominee Community Resource Center (Keshena), Maehnowesekiyah Wellness Center (Gresham), JOBS Center (Shawano), and Safehaven Domestic Violence Shelter (Shawano). Impacts will be measured using relevant evaluations found on the WNEP website. Specific evaluations include Money for Food Evaluations, Portion Awareness, Whole Grains, Reading Labels, and Focus on Fruits. It is anticipated there will be 190 teaching contacts with this audience. Indirect Teaching Activities Proposed Indirect teaching activities will include unattended walk-bys, news articles in local newsletters and other print media, and distribution of newsletters like Food Sense. Food Security Programming Efforts Proposed While SNAP-Ed staff provide lessons and resources for local food pantries, further engagement in community coalitions addressing hunger and food insecurity will be explored in the upcoming year. Staff in both counties will work on becoming more active participants with partners that foster food security and enhance access to healthy, affordable, and safe food. This will determine what role SNAP-Ed can play in the community. Other Collaborative Activities Proposed SNAP-Ed will be involved in at least two collaborative projects in Menominee County/Nation and Shawano County. In Menominee County/Nation, there is a major community wide project known as the Community Engagement Coalition. This group is comprised of service providers throughout the community and their goal is to help make the Menominee County/Nation a healthier community through focused goals and projects. SNAP-Ed will become a member of the Community Engagement Coalition and will focus work on reducing childhood obesity, a goal defined by the group in SNAP-Ed will explore the possibility of being involved in the Bowler Wellness Committee. This is a parent/school educator group that is newly formed. Goals and SNAP-Ed s role are yet to be determined and will require time to develop. Since this is a new group, it will take time to determine whether this collaborative group is a good fit for SNAP-Ed.