Partnering to End Hunger in the Grand Valley

Partnering to End Hunger in the Grand Valley

Takeaways Food security is a real issue for Mesa County There is a statewide effort to address food security called the Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger Mesa County is working on an aligned, localized effort There are multiple ways to get involved: Learn about resources to share with employees Create a food secure, friendly workplace culture Reduce barriers for employees accessing healthy food Increase workplace engagement in addressing food security

Hunger in Colorado

Hunger in Mesa County

Why is this important to your organization? Because Hunger does negatively impact the workplace! Focus Mood Energy Health

Self-Sufficiency Standard

Public Health Framework

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= cddwvj_q-o8

Food Security and Health Outcomes

Food Security & Seniors 50% less likely to be diabetic 5x less likely to suffer from depression SNAP generates $48 million in economic stimulus to Mesa County Fewer limitations in their activities of daily living SNAP and WIC generated about $1.4 billion in CO economic development Food secure seniors are less likely to have hospitalizations Lower nursing home utilization Food security lowers Medicaid costs than food secure seniors

Determinants of Health

Goals of the Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger 1 Increase public awareness that solving hunger is vital to the health and well-being of individuals and families, and the Colorado economy. 2 Increase access to affordable, nutritious food in communities. 3 4 Increase access to food assistance and nutritious food through community-based organizations. Maximize SNAP and WIC enrollment to propel Colorado to become a leading state for enrollment. 5 Maximize participation in Federal Child Nutrition programs.

What is Happening in Mesa County #1: Strengthen Hunger Relief Organizations #2: Address Out-of-School Hunger #3: Increase Fresh Produce for Hunger Relief #4: Expand Food Recovery #5: Involve Health Care Providers #6: Spread Public Awareness

Three Priority Areas from WCCF s June 2018 Forum 1. Greater collaboration and resource sharing amongst local hunger relief organizations to achieve operating efficiencies and increase capacity to expand services. 2. Expanded food recovery efforts, saving unused food from being thrown away and providing food for hunger relief. 3. Increased enrollment in food assistance programs, such as SNAP and WIC.

SNAP in Colorado Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Colorado is 44 th in the nation in enrolling eligible residents in SNAP Nearly 2 in 3 SNAP participants are children, seniors, or have disabilities Source: Hunger Free Colorado Impact Reports Winter 2018

SNAP in Mesa County --2016 Source: Hunger Free Colorado Impact Reports Winter 2018

How SNAP can be used What cannot be purchased Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco Food that will be eaten in the store, including hot foods (anything above room temperature) Any nonfood items, such as: Pet foods Soaps, paper products Household supplies Vitamins and medicines What can be purchased Breads and cereals Fruits and vegetables Meats, fish and poultry Dairy products Seeds and plants which produce food

WIC in Colorado Source: Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger

WIC in Mesa County 51% 55% Mesa County has about 2,800 Mesa County residents enrolled Source: Hunger Free Colorado and USDA

WIC Foods Fruits and vegetables Cereal, brown rice and whole grain breads, pasta and tortillas Milk, cheese and yogurt Tofu and soy beverage Eggs 100% fruit and vegetable juice Peanut butter and beans Canned fish Baby foods

SNAP Enrollment 1. Submit an application 2. Interview completed -Can be done at DHS office or via phone 3. A notice will be sent, explaining length and amount of benefits 4. Food assistance benefits are deposited into an EBT (electronic benefit transfer) account monthly, for use at any retailer that accepts SNAP

WIC Enrollment 1. Same day and next day appointments at 4 locations: HHS building at 510 29 1/2 Rd Fruita satellite clinic at 215 N. Plum Street Western CO Pediatric Associates weekly walk in clinic Hilltop Family Resource Center Proof of ID, income and current address needed for appointment 2. Nutrition interview 3. Benefits loaded to EBT card at end of appointment

Talking about Food Assistance to help Weather

Community Support Businesses, civic clubs, CMU student body activities 78,000 lbs. of food donated through US Postal Service Stamp out Hunger food drive 167 RSVP volunteers gave their time to ten hunger relief groups

Weekend Food - Kids Aid Backpack Program Over 2,100 bags distributed weekly in 2017/18 school year

Action Steps from Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger

Call to Action Become familiar with the Blueprint to End Hunger Create a workplace culture that asking for help is ok Acknowledge importance of ability to access healthy foods Provide employees with information and referrals Actively assist employees in accessing resources Allow staff scheduling flexibility to access resources

Call to Action Offer paid work days for staff to volunteer Incorporate food drives and/or volunteer opportunities into work events Get involved in the Blueprint to End Hunger as a company Get involved in the Blueprint to End Hunger as an individual

Contact Information 1. Sarah Robinson, Mesa County Health Department sarah.robinson@mesacounty.us * Mesa County efforts to address food insecurity and public health projects 2. Michelle Trujillo, Mesa County Dept. of Human Services michelle.trujillo@mesacounty.us * Food Assistance in Mesa County 3. Jody Valente, Western Colorado Community Foundation jvalente@wc-cf.org * Information on the Blueprint and Mesa County efforts to address food insecurity

Thank you!