(Fremont County, WY) – The Cent$ible Nutrition program recently shared with County 10 that they distributed 3,401 pounds of fresh produce to the community this summer, from about mid July through the end of September.
Cent$ible Nutrition partnered with food banks, the Wyoming Honor Farm, local gardeners like the Pushroot Community Garden, and many more to help get fresh food out to folks in Fremont County and the Wind River Reservation, all as a part of their goal of “enhancing food security and promoting healthy eating within the community.”
“The partnership between local gardeners, Cent$ible Nutrition and food banks not only provides vital resources for those in need but also fosters a sense of unity and support among residents,” Program Educator Jolene Velarde shared.
For those unaware, the Cent$ible Nutrition Program (CNP) is a statewide program serving people with limited resources through nutrition education and local partnerships that “help make the healthy choice the easy choice.”
The effort is a part of the joint collaboration between the Grow A Little Extra program and First Lady Jennie Gordon with the Wyoming Hunger Initiative.
CNP classes help participants save money and time at the grocery store, cook quick and healthy meals, and stretch their food dollars, Velarde explained.
(Classes are available for adults and youth that quality and help participants gain a foundation in making nutritious food choices based on the USDA MyPlate and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.)
“Such initiatives highlight the power of community spirit and the positive impact that collective efforts can have on addressing food insecurity,” Velarde went on to say. “Thank you to everyone involved for their hard work and dedication to supporting their neighbors! Together, we can create a healthier and more connected community.”
In addition to food banks and those in need, produce is also distributed to senior centers and other programs that reach out.
Velarde also added that Cent$ible Nutrition is still accepting produce to help distribute during these last days of Fall, and you can contact her for more information on how to do so at 307-857-3660, or 307 349 6639.
More information about Cent$ible Nutrition is below, and you can also learn more on their website linked above.
CNP also works with local partners to increase the availability of healthy choices for Wyoming’s families with limited resources. These efforts aim to improve access to fruits and vegetables, increase physical activity, and support partners in creating healthy environments.
CNP is funded by two USDA grants, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program- Education (SNAP-Ed) and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). CNP is part of the University of Wyoming Extension and covers every county and the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming