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

Methods• WSU Food $ense provides staff, materials, equipment and basic

nutrition education one hour before designated food box distribution time

• BMAC Food Bank pre-selects participants receiving monthly food distribution

• Participants become eligible to be first in line for food box by attending nutrition workshops

• Lesson is targeted to integrate food box contents with low-cost, fresh, whole foods

• Cooking demonstration and small samples for tasting provide experiential learning opportunities

AbstractThe 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.

Results• Monthly access to low-income individuals who benefit from

nutritional information• Workshop timing allows participants opportunity for

immediate application of knowledge• Small groups allow for individualized instruction• Peer to peer learning occurs as participants share

experiences

Introduction/PurposeA partnership with WSU Food $ense has given CSFP recipients the opportunity to gain knowledge and stimulate behavior change. Interactive workshops allow participants to learn how to incorporate low-cost, fresh, whole foods made with items in their food box.

Summary and Conclusions•Informal evaluations gathered during workshops point to encouraging outcomes for positive behavior change•Majority of CSFP recipients are elderly •More Caucasians utilize CSFP services than Latinos in the community

Demographics of Food Bank Participants

Source: January 2011-June 2011 BMAC Data

This material was funded by USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.