Collaboration brings needed nutrition information to those with limited incomes in Walla Walla County

1. Collaboration brings needed nutrition information to those
with limited incomes in Walla Walla County
Debi J. Evans, M.Ed., Food $ense Program Coordinator, Washington State University Extension-Walla Walla County
Abstract
The Blue Mountain Action Council (BMAC) in Walla Walla County is the lead agency for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), which works
to improve the health of low income pregnant women, other new mothers up to one year postpartum, infants and children up to age six, as well as seniors
over 60 years old. The food distribution occurs at the BMAC Food Warehouse where clients gather once a month to receive a box of food commodities. A
majority of low income individuals struggle with the challenge of incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nonfat/low-fat milk or other milk products into
their daily dietary intake. Additionally, commodities with significant shelf life can be void of nutrient dense foods important for good health.
Introduction/Purpose Methods
A partnership with WSU Food $ense has given CSFP recipients the • WSU Food $ense provides staff, materials, equipment and basic nutrition
opportunity to gain knowledge and stimulate behavior change. education one hour before designated food box distribution time
Interactive workshops allow participants to learn how to incorporate
• BMAC Food Bank pre-selects participants receiving monthly food
low-cost, fresh, whole foods made with items in their food box.
distribution
• Participants become eligible to be first in line for food box by attending
nutrition workshops
Results
• Lesson is targeted to integrate food box contents with low-cost, fresh,
• Monthly access to low-income individuals who benefit from whole foods
nutritional information
• Cooking demonstration and small samples for tasting provide experiential
• Workshop timing allows participants opportunity for immediate learning opportunities
application of knowledge
• Small groups allow for individualized instruction
• Peer to peer learning occurs as participants share experiences Summary and Conclusions
•Informal evaluations gathered during workshops point to encouraging
outcomes for positive behavior change
Demographics of Food Bank Participants •Majority of CSFP recipients are elderly
•More Caucasians utilize CSFP services than Latinos in the community
This material was funded by USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Source: January 2011-June 2011 BMAC Data