Progress 08/01/24 to 07/31/25

Outputs
Target Audience:Our Project Effects Frontier/Rural Community Members of NW Kansas with an emphasis on school age kids. During this period we held community meetings in our fourtarget counties where we informed the community of the grant received and its purpose. We collected information for interested local produce growers to build connections with local resources. We establish the necessary contracts to begin distribution of fresh produce to qualifying children in NW Kansas. Processes and partnerships were put in place to make sure each child enrolled is connected with a medical provider to get their yearly wellness exams. Changes/Problems:Due to concern of funding cuts the marketing and enrollment of participants did not get started as soon as originally intended. The first produce box after full enrollment did not go out until May of 2025 and originally it was expected to occur in February or March. Also, we are seeing a slower rate of enrollment of children than we had hoped for. We believe this is due to lack of awareness/understanding of the project. We are working to identify additional ways to make sure eligible families enroll. At this time we anticipate the enrollment close may need to extend further into 2026 than originally anticipated. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Two team members were able to attend the Nutrition Incentive Hub National Convention 2025. Attendance contributed to their professional understanding and skill in addressing nutrition deficits. The community advocacy work being done to bring together interested parties and producers is building a greater understanding of the complexities from county to county as to the challenges to provide fresh produce in rural farm country. It is drawing out interest and bringing together organizations all looking from different perspectives at this challenge. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?During this period marketing took place and is continuing to take place to make sure the communities are aware of the project. In addition to ensure enrollment occurs and interested parties get involved. Four community meetings were held across the four NW Kansas Counties to present the grant goals and gather information on how local producers can be/may want to be a part of ongoing changes. Flyers and communication took place throughout each county connecting with schools, public health departments, clinics, libraries, and NW Kansas Service Center in an effort to get the word out for enrollment of all eligible children. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?To meet our project goals and objectives we will: -continue enrollment of over 100 kids -hold nutrition education events at schools in each county served -continue providing fresh produce boxes to kids -have boxes distributed that include locally grown vegetables and fruit -increase nutrition education through education in boxes distributed and access to online learning material -complete final surveys for participants who have completed a year in the program to evaluate improved health outcomes -hold family nutrition classes -continue and identify new ways of promoting the project and its goals and objectives in NW Kansas -continue building and strengthening relationships with food suppliers in NW Kansas

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The project is impacting the NW Rural Kansas Communities and specifically children in need. At this time 33 children have been successfully enrolled in the program. This has increased their access to consistent fresh produce with the delivery of 24 boxes. 700 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables have been distributed across four NW Kansas Counties to children and families providing access, improving diet quality and increasing food security. Preventative care and work to address obesity has been encouraged and seen through 33 children completing their annual wellness visits with their local primary care providers. At this point two families have taken advantage of the opportunity to improve their knowledge and understanding of healthy foods through coaching received. Increased opportunities for fresh affordable produce in rural communities is in its early phase with the completion of four community meetings. These meetings targeted and started opportunities that will be continued in future periods to improve local produce growth and accessibility.

Publications