Our June social on June 10th focused on community food deficiencies and current food programs and lack of knowledge on healthy vs unhealthy food choices. Our insightful panelists included – Mary Aukes, Marge Kieper, Corrine Bonnema, and Mary Gehrke.
Corrine shared how the Farmers Market is helping our community. They are current participants in Hunger Solutions, Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, and Power of Produce for kids. Hunger Solutions will match a $10 EBT card with $20 on items at the Farmers Market. Market Nutrition Program provides eligible WIC participants coupons to be used at the Farmers Market. Power of Produce gives kids $4 to spend at the Farmers Market after they participate in a short education piece. Power of Produce plus is looking for funding to give the same benefit to seniors as the kids program.
The panel also emphasized the need for education on balanced meals. The Food Shelf currently offers fresh fruits and veggies and low sodium options and is always looking for volunteers if you would like to help out. Contact Mary Gehrke to volunteer.
Let’s keep this conversation going and work towards ensuring better Food Resources for everyone in our community.