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USDA/AmeriCorps - Clinton Library Copies - FY96 4th Quarter Progress Reports - VT-WA [Vermont-Washington] [1]
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USDA/AmeriCorps - Clinton Library Copies - FY96 4th Quarter Progress Reports - VT-WA [Vermont-Washington] [1]
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FOIA Number: 2013-0661-F (3)
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
Presidential Library Staff.
Collection/Record Group:
Clinton Presidential Records
Subgroup/Office of Origin:
Americorps
Series/Staff Member:
General Files
Subseries:
OA/ID Number:
24240
FolderID:
Folder Title:
USDA/AmeriCorps - Clinton Library Copies - FY96 4th Quarter Progress Reports - VT-WA
[Vermont-Washington] [1]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
S
66
1
2
1
Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. list
re: SSNs [Personally Identifiable Information] [partial] (3 pages)
08/15/1996
b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
AmeriCorps
General Files
OA/Box Number: 24240
FOLDER TITLE:
USDA/AmeriCorps - Clinton Library Copies - FY 96 4th Quarter Progress Reports -
VT-WA [Vermont - Washington] [1]
2013-0661-F
rc3039
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a tabbed divider. Given our
digitization capabilities, we are sometimes unable to adequately
scan such dividers. The title from the original document is
indicated below.
VT
Divider Title:
W
ERICORP
A
UNITED
STATES
DEPARTMENT
OF AGRICULTURE
August 28, 1996
TO:
Bari Gladstone, AmeriCorps Project Director, VT Anti-Hunger Corps
9B
FROM:
Joel Berg, USDA Director of National Service
SUBJECT:
Year-to-Date Data on Objectives and Member Forms
Attached is a "year-to-date" progress report showing accomplishments on objectives through the
third quarter report. This data, plus the fourth quarter data, will be provided to members of
Congress representing your state and to your agency leaders. It is imperative that the
information reflected in this report be as accurate as possible. The report also shows the
degree to which you have accomplished your objectives which were agreed to at the beginning of
this program year.
I ask that you carefully review this report. Review each objective with the following items in
mind:
1. Accuracy of the data. This information will be shared with many different groups,
and it is important to be accurate in our reporting as well as getting credit for all the great work
you have done during the year.
2. Completion of community service objectives. One way to determine the successful
completion of objectives is to measure accomplishments against the target quantity measurement
which you established at the beginning of the year. The table below gives you a snapshot picture
of your accomplishments through the third quarter. The last five columns reflects your work
measured against the target quantity.
SITE #
NUMBER OF
NUMBER OF
NUMBER OF
NUMBER OF
NUMBER OF
NO TARGET
OBJECTIVES
OBJECTIVES
OBJECTIVES AT
OBJECTIVES
OBJECTIVES
EXCEEDED
100%
50-100%
0-50%
QUANTITY
COMPLETE
COMPLETE
C50A
15
11
4
3. Program codes. Review the program code for each of your objectives. Please be sure
that the data you are recording for quantity matches the quantity for that program code. If you are
counting something other than the quantity measurement for the code, please indicate exactly
what you are counting.
4. Congressional Districts. Please indicate in which Congressional District(s) the work
was actually accomplished. This will let us be very specific to Members of Congress as to what
work was done in their district.
5. Double counting. Please do NOT double count your accomplishments..
6. Volunteers. Please explain what the volunteers have done with your AmeriCorps
members. Also ensure that the volunteer numbers you have been providing to us each quarter is
for the quarter only, not cumulative for the year.
Your assistance in this reporting enables us to meet our legal obligations as well as providing us
with the necessary information to promote our USDA AmeriCorps program to all interested
parties. Providing this data in an accurate and timely manner is one of your most important duties
as an AmeriCorps Project Director.
Member Forms
A review of your member forms reveals the following form is missing:
NAME
TYPE OF FORM
Jennifer Ames
End of Term Form
Also include any End of Term forms for members who have now completed their term of service.
If we are to have all our records in order and insure that those AmeriCorps Members who are
entitled to benefits receive them and that those who are not entitled to benefits do not receive
them, all forms must be submitted to this office. If you have previously submitted the forms
requested above, please send in a copy of that form.
If you have any questions or problems, please contact Dee DiFiore at (202) 690-3051 or Ron
DeMunbrun at (202) 690-3894.
Thank you for your cooperation on this matter.
cc:
Donna Hines, AmeriCorps Project Director, FNS
-e: VT
OP SITE: C50A
USDA AMERICORPS - 95ADFDC047XXXX
8/27/96
FIRST THREE QUARTERS' PROGRESS TOWARDS ACOMMPLISHING ORIGINAL COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
2:11 pm
BY STATE AND PROGRAM (OBJECTIVE) CODE
Year's
FIRST
PERCENT
OP
Obj
PGM
QTY
3 QTR's
COMPLETE
State
Site
No.
Code
Obj/Impact Statement
Target
QTY Unit of Measure
Quantity
VT
C50A
2
EN-E005B
Develop school gardens
8
gardens - planted
11
137.50 %
VT
C50A
1
EN-E005B
Community gardens improved
10
gardens - planted
20
310.00 %
VT
C50A
2
EN-E005C
Involve correctional facilities in food
15000
pounds food
0
0.00 %
production
VT
C50A
2
EN-E007B
Increase number of participants in share
50
groups
528
1056.00 %
holder community supported agriculture
VT
C50A
3
EN-H015A
Nutrition education
500
people - nutrition
4518
903.60
%
education
VT
C50A
EN-H023A
Outreach provided on Commodity
5
sites
23
460.00
%
Supplemental Food Program
VT
C50A
4
EN-H031A
Develop new school breakfast sites
4
sites - new school
0
0.00 %
breakfast
VT
C50A
1
EN-H035A
Increased number of food shelves
15
food sites created
3
20.00
%
VT
C50A
4
EN-H036A
Improve existing community meal sites
5
food sites restored
33
660.00
%
VT
C50A
1
EN-H036A
Improved food shelves
15
food sites restored
27
400.00 %
VT
C50A
EN-H038A
Recruit volunteers for youth anti-hunger
20
volunteers
193
965.00 %
clubs
VT
C50A
4
EN-H040A
Develop new summer food program sites
7
sites - summer food
2
28.57 %
sites
VT
C50A
4
EN-H042
Improve existing school breakfast sites
5
sites - school breakfast
8
160.00 %
VT
C50A
4
EN-H043
Improve existing summer food sites
5
sites - summer food
16
320.00
%
sites
VT
C50A
4
EN-H044A
Improve home delivered meals program
4
sites - meal sites
15
375.00 %
capacity
AmeriCorps *USA
Team USDA
NATIONAL NA * AMERICORPS If A PERIOLE Rp
USDA State Progress Report
(CNS Grant No. 95ADFDC047)
1. Check this reporting period: O First
o Second
X Third
X Fourth
(10/1-12/31)
(1/1-3/31)
(4/1-6/30)
(7/1-9/30)
SECTION I - STATE INFORMATION
2. State: Vermont
3. Agency: Vermont Anti-Hunger Corps- Vermont State Office of Economic Opportunity
SECTION II - STATE CONTACT INFORMATION:
4. Contact Name:
Bari
Gladstone
first
middle
last
5. Title: Program Director of the Vermont Anti-Hunger Corps
6. Address: Vermont Anti-Hunger Corps
c/ Vermont Office of Economic Opportunity
103 South Main Street
Waterbury, Vermont 05671-1801
7. Telephone number: 802-241-2577, [direct line]802-241-2575
6. Fax number: 802-241-2593
9. E-mail Address: not yet
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. list
re: SSNs [Personally Identifiable Information] [partial] (3 pages)
08/15/1996
b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
AmeriCorps
General Files
OA/Box Number: 24240
FOLDER TITLE:
USDA/AmeriCorps - Clinton Library Copies - FY 96 4th Quarter Progress Reports -
VT-WA [Vermont - Washington] [1]
2013-0661-F
rc3039
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
2
8/15/96
10. MEMBER DATA:
OP SITE ID: C50A
Site Supervisor: Barki
Gladstone
PHONE: 802-241-2462
Agency/Org Name:
Vermont Anti-Hunger Corps
FAX: 8022412593
STATE: VT
City: Waterbury
# VT
No. of Members Allocated by USDA:
31
HOURS
SER
PGM
TRT
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
Total
Member Name
[001]
SSN
STAT
STAT
STAT
Rpt
Rpt
Rpt
Rpt
IRIS
, SUZANNE
D.
F
A
I
483
552
478
220
1733
,
JESSUP
, JOHN
P.
F
A
I
469
523
432
297
1721
KEOUGH
# ELIZABETH
J.
F
A
I
472
527
439
282
1720
LESNIAK
, ERICA
L.
F
A
I
371
584
495
251
1701
MAY
, SHAWN
R.
F
A
I
470
522
453
275
1719
MCCARTHY
, CAROL
A.
F
E
II
439
0
0
0
439
NELSON
, ROBERT
I.
F
A
I
439
545
535
202
1721
PALMER
, GRACE
M.
F
E
II
0
0
0
0
0
PEARSE
, MARGERY
S.
F
A
I
484
499
493
279
1755
(b)(6)
PETOT
/ JULIA
G.
F
A
I
423
529
462
294
1708
RUBDI
, VICTOR
W.
F
A
I
146
470
573
511
1700
SCHECHTER
JAMES
A.
F
E
II
478
77
0
0
555
,
SMITH
, BRIAN
R.
F
A
I
490
537
457
244
1708
SPENCER
, GORDON
A.
F
E
II
241
497
0
0
738
ST. JEAN
, JOYCE
A.
F
A
I
483
540
445
265
1733
TANNER
JESSICA
E.
F
A
I
483
513
443
#
268
1707
WARD
# SUE
A.
)
A
I
246
550
529
383
707
]
8/15/96
10. MEMBER DATA:
OP SITE ID: C50A
Site Supervisor: Barxi
Gladstone
PHONE: 802-241-2462
Agency/Org Name: Vermont Anti-Hunger Corps
FAX: 8022412593
STATE: VT
City: Waterbury
, VT
No. of Members Allocated by USDA: 31
HOURS
SER
PGM
TRT
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
Total
Member Name
SSN
STAT
STAT
STAT
Rpt
Rpt
Rpt
Rpt
AMES
.
JENNIFER
M.
F
A
I
447
.
425
17
0
889
ASHTON
MICHAEL
,
S.
F
A
I
327
548
481
344
1700
BALLINGER
JOHANNA
,
M.
F
A
I
475
501
463
268
1707
BILL
,
DEBORAH
D.
F
A
I
390
496
455
373
1714
BODKINS
ALEXANDRA
.
F
A
I
460
550
429
302
1741
BROWN
SAMANTHA
L.
F
E
II
0
0
0
0
0
BUSH
RICHARD
E.
F
A
I
,
474
532
460
250
1716
CASSAN
PETER
,
C.
F
E
II
146
0
0
0
146
CHALIDZE
FRANCHESKA
N.
F
A
,
I
457
530
453
266
1706
(b)(6)
ELWERT
, CATHERINE
F
A
.
I
472
525
425
283
1705
GIBSON
, ERICA
J.
F
A
I
470
541
425
264
1700
HALL
, MARY
E.
F
A
I
480
508
590
129
1707
HEMMINGS
DOUGLAS
C.
F
A
I
450
576
497
214
1737
HICKS
ALLISON
K.
F
A
I
448
530
425
297
1700
,
HOWARD
, LYNNE
F.
F
E
II
131
0
0
0
131
HUARD
FRANK
E.
F
A
I
452
530
424
301
1707
IYNES
, ROWIAN
J.
A
I
466
546
425
275
12
8/15/96
10. MEMBER DATA:
OP SITE ID: C50A
Site Supervisor: Barki
Gladstone
PHONE: 802-241-2462
Agency/Org Name: Vermont Anti-Hunger Corps
FAX: 8022412593
STATE: VT
City: Waterbury
VT
No. of Members Allocated by USDA: 31
HOURS
SER PGM TRT 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Member Name
SSN
STAT STAT STAT
Rpt
Rpt
Rpt
Rpt
WHITEHILL
, AUDREY
A.
F
A
I
256
591
505
354
1707
(b)(6)
WILLARD
, ERIN
E.
F
A
I
466 535 446 253 1700
Total Hours: 50890
No. of Members Allocated by USDA: 31
No. of Active Members Whose Enrollment Forms were recieved at USDA (not including terminations): 36
No. of Members for Whom Forms Have NOT Been Recieved*:
-5
REMEMBER THAT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS FOR EACH MEMBER SHOULD BE THE HOURS SERVED AND NOT
INCLUDE THE HOURS FOR PERSONAL LEAVE (40) AND HOLIDAYS (72). IF YOU HAVE BEEN COUNTING THESE
IN THE FIRST 3 QUARTERS, PLEASE ADJUST THE 4TH QUARTERS HOURS SO THAT THE TOTAL IS AT LEAST 1700
OF SERVICE (assuming the person was full-time and successfully completed the program.) You can
have more than 1700 hrs for a total just be sure all the hours were service hours. Thank You
If the number of Members allocated is greater than the number of forms received, there are four options: 1. There are Members enrolled in programs whose forms have not
been submitted to the USDA Director of National Service. If that is the case, list the names, SSN, Status and hours of the missing members on the back of this sheet
and send the enrollment forms to the USDA Director of National Service. 2. The enrollment forms were sent directly to the Corporation. If that is the case,
send copies to the USDA Director of National Service immediately. 3. There are vacancies in your program you intend to fill in the next reporting period.
If that is the case, enter the number of vacancies on the appropriate line. 4. There are vacancies that you can not fill and you are relinquishing them.
REMEMBER, MEMBERS WHOSE FORMS HAVE NOT BEEN RECEIVED AT USDA ARE NOT CONSIDERED ENROLLED IN THE PROGRAM AND THEIR BENEFITS (EDUCATION AWARD,ETC.) ARE JEOPARDIZED!!!
If the number of members for whom forms have been received is greater than the number of members allocated resulting in a negative number appearing in the "No. of
Members for Whom Forms Have NOT Been Received" line, you have enrolled more members in your program than authorized. Please explain this over enrollment. It may be
that some members have terminated, in which case, change their status on this form and submit the proper end of term of service form to the USDA Director of National Service.
5
11.Total Number of Volunteers
1st Qtr.
2nd Qtr
3rd Qtr
4th Qtr
Total
491 vol.
464 vol.
436 vol.
737 vol.
2,128 vol
12.Total Number of Volunteer Hours 1st Qtr
2nd Qtr
3rd Qtr
4th Qtr
Total
2334 hrs
2394 hrs
2854 hrs
3967 hrs
11,549 hrs
13. Progress Towards Accomplishing Original Community Service Objectives:
see AHACHMENTS
I
State: Vermont
#13A,b,c,D,e
State
Op
Obj
PGM
Obj/Impact
Year's
Qty Unit
4th Qtr / Yr
Year's
Success
4th Qtr
Site
No.
Code
Statement
QTY
of
Quan- / Total
Success
Unit of
Success
Target
Measure
tity
Target
Measure
Vt
C50A
1
EN-
Community Gardens
10
gardens
12
16
500 people
number of
1177
E005
improved
[this
total
people newly
people
qtr.]
gardens
committed
gleaned &
2,272
and/or
winter-
people
involved
ized gdns
Vt.
C50A
1
EN-
Improved food shelves
15
shelves
2
10
5,000 new
..number of
72
H036A
[this
total
people
additional
people
qtr]
food
people served
served
shelves
75% of
...% of
100%
improved
programs
programs
improved
4,178
report
report
people
improved
satisfactory
served
capacity
improvement
Vt.
C50A
1
EN-
Increased number of new
15
shelves
1
4
75% of new
% of
100 % of
H035A
food shelves
[this
total new
programs
programs
programs
qtr]
fd shelves
are
report
report
100%
sustainable
capacity to
capacity to
self-sustaining
sustain
sustain
Vt.
C50A
2
EN-
Develop school gardens
8
sch
0 new
11
400
...# of new
0 new
E005B
gardens
[this
total
children
children
children
qtr]
school
involved in
this qtr
gardens
school gdns
...% of
808
75% of
teachers
0% new
new kids
teachers
involved
teachers
100%
commit to
this qtr
teachers involved
continue
Vt.
C50A
2
EN-
Increase number of
50
families
193
721 total
200 new
# of new
720 people
E007B
participants in share
families
new fam
people
people
new this
holder community
[this
2,358 new
participating
qtr
supported agriculture
qtr]
people
Vt.
C50A
2
EN-
Involve correctional
15,000
pounds of
21,500
21,500
50% of state
2 of 7
E005C
facilities in food
food
pounds
total
correctional
facilities
production
produced
of food
pounds
facilities
% of facilities
or 28%
and
[this
2 of 7
establish
participating
particip.
distributed
qtr]
facilities or
community
28%
grdn prgms
Vt.
C50A
3
EN-
Nutrition education
500
people
1,439
4,447
75% of
% of people
85%
H015A
people
total
participants
w/ increased
reported
[this
people
report
knowledge
increase
qtr]
85%
increased
gained info
knowledge
Vt.
C50A
4
EN-
Develop new community
3
sites
eliminated
50% of sites
# of sites
H035A
meal sites
objective
report
sustainable
capacity
Vt.
C50A
4
EN-
Improve existing
5
sites
3 sites
15 total
2,500 new
number of
156
H036A
community meal sites
[this
sites
participants
additional
new
qtr]
5,843
recruited
people served
people
new people
Vt.
C50A
4
EN-
Improve existing school
5
sites
0 sites
8 total
750 new
# of
0 kids
H042
breakfast sites
[this
sites
children
additional
this
qtr]
920 more
eating
children
qtr
kids eating
participating
Vt
C50A
4
EN-
Improve existing summer
5
sites
13 sites
16 total
100 new
# of
616 kids
H043
food sites
[this
sites
children
additional
this qtr
qtr]
1,017 new
participating
people
kids eating
participating
Vt.
C50A
4
EN-
Develop new school
4
sites
0 sites
1 site
100 children
Number of
0 kids
H031A
breakfast sites
[this
total
participating
children
this qtr
qtr]
80 kids
participating
eating
Vt.
C50A
4
EN-
Develop new summer
7
sites
1 site
3 total
200 people
# of people
150 kids
H040A
food program sites
[this
sites dev.
enrolled
enrolled
newly
qtr]
345
enrolled
kids eat
this qtr
Vt.
C50A
4
EN-
Improve home delivered
4
sites
7 sites
10 total
a minimum
number of
514
H044A
meals program capacity
[this
sites
of 550 folks
people served
people
qtr]
2,436
get regular
served
people
home
this qtr
served
delivered fd
Vt.
C50A
EN-
Improve local
5
sites
6 sites
19 total
serve and
# of
413
H023A
commodities program
[this
sites
enroll
households
house-
management
qtr]
served
minimum of
served
holds
5,440
750
served
households
households
this qtr
served
# 14 Progress Towards Accomplishing Additional Community Service Objectives:
State
Op
Obj.
PGM
Obj./Impact
Year's
Qty Unit
4th Qtr/
Year
Year's
Success
4th Qtr
Site
No.
Code
Statement
QTY
of
Quantity
Total
Success
Unit of
Success
Target
Measure
Target
Measure
Vt
C50A
H038
Recruit volunteers for
20
youth
304
497
100
hours of
175 hours
youth anti-hunger clubs
volunteers
youth
total
anti-hunger
recruited
youth
service by
youth
recruited
Attachment 13a
P.8A
Northeast Team Final Project Summaries
August '96
Increasing School Meal Awareness and Participation--Barnet, Canaan, Troy Schools
The goal of this project was to increase school meal participation by dispelling some of the myths
surrounding school meals. Through a parent survey, NE team members and food service
coordinators found that some parents did not know that the meals served comply with U.S.D.A.
nutrition guidelines. Others did not know that the school gets reimbursed by the government for
all free and reduced meals. Getting the survey results back took longer than expected, and one
school did not return them at all. In addition, most of the parents who returned the survey already
partcipate in the meals program. For these reasons, this project was only partially effective and
results will not be able to be accurately measured. The Canaan school will print an article, written
by NE team member as a result of the surveys, in the September '96 school newsletter. The
principal of the Troy school wrote his own article about the program in his school newsletter.
Our partnership with Barnet did not come to fruition. In the 96-97 service year, the NE team will
check in with the two schools again to discuss measurable results.
Coordinators: Jessica Tanner, Gordon Spencer
Status:
Project completed
Kingdom Community Lunch (Caledonia County)
The goal of this project was to assist the current volunteer base for the Wednesday lunch in
establishing a permanent coordinator/s, to ensure its long term continuation. A coordinator was
recruited and other enhancements, such as prepared food donations from St. Johnsbury Academy,
were achieved for the running of the meal site to make it sustainable. A project book including
hints on volunteer recruitment and maintenance was given to the coordinator and left at the
church site. Although the coordinator did not continue to volunteer her time after a couple of
months, the Wednesday meal site was officially added to the Kingdom Community Shelter, Inc.
thanks to the efforts of the NE team and willingness of community partner Mike McCoy. The
board now oversees this site along with the Monday and Friday meal sites.
Coordinators: Mary Hall, Gordon Spencer Members: Jessica, Sue, Audrey
Status:
Project completed
Earned Income Tax Credit and Tax Assistance (Caledonia, Orleans, Essex)
With this project, members set out to provide low income people with tax assistance and increase
awareness of the Earned Income Credit. A second goal of the project was to teach people how to
do their own taxes in the future. Since the NE team members were not the only ones in the
Kingdom providing this service, we were able to focus on areas that seemed to need the most
help. Through PSA's, posters, sign up sheets and help from various town clerks, tax assistance
was provided at section 8 housing and/or NEKCA offices in Canaan, Island Pond, Hardwick,
Wells River and St. Johnsbury. Assistance was offered in other towns, such as Barton and West
Burke, however, no one signed up for help at those sites. A total of 95 tax forms were filed, and
approximatly 50 people used our services.
Food Resource Flyer (Essex, Caledonia, Orleans)
NE team member created a comprehensive list of food resources in each county (and some in NH
in areas that Vermonters have easier access to them), including senior meal sites, community meal
sites, food shelves and SHARE sites. These lists are used by the Department of Social Welfare,
NEKCA, People Helping People, local food shelves and were also made available at the St.
Johnsbury Nutrition Fair.
Coordinator: Mary Hall
Members: Jessica Tanner
Status:
Project Completed.
Food Drive for the Canaan Food Shelf (Essex County)
I
Working with Roberta Noyes of Canaan NEKCA, a NE team member approached this project in
two directions. First, Rural Mail Carriers of the US Post Office do a food drive every year for
local food shelves through their mail carriers. The Canaan Post Office planned to participate for
the first time this year. Post offices in Beecher Falls and West Stewartstown do not do rural
delivery, but they agreed to have food drop boxes near the post office boxes. (W. Stewartstown
is in NH, and people from that area often use some of Canaan's food resources.) The main goal
of this part of the project was to build enthusiasm and encourage participation in this project SO
that the post offices and community members will participate yearly; 100 lbs of food was
collected. Secondly, the member helped to develop a tool and strategy for raising funds for the
food shelf. A letter was written to be sent out to several large, local employers (including Ethan
Allen Mills) asking their employees to donate $1.00 a month to a Food/Fuel Assistance fund. The
letter was finalized in July and Roberta plans to send it out.
Coordinator: Sue
Status:
Project Completed. Follow up this fall to find out results of letter.
Starting a Summer Feeding Program in the Groton Area (Caledonia County)
After about a month of looking into this, much support was found for the Summer Feeding
project, but no organization showed an interest in sponsoring a site there. Instead of dropping the
project idea, a member wrote an informational articicle about what a Summer Feeding site offers
the children in a community, and where to send for information and assistance in starting one.
The article was printed in several local papers. We have several different people to contact next
year who said they would be interested in coordinating the site, but felt that they did not have
enough time to organize it for this summer. The NE team will be getting in touch with them.
Coordinator: Audrey Whitehill
Members: Jessica
Status:
Altered version of project completed. Follow up this winter.
Newport Town School Community Oven (Orleans County)
Students in the eighth grade and their math teacher, along with NE and Central team members
planned, gathered materials for, and built a Quebec style, wood-fired clay oven. The members
involved in this project researched the oven making tradition thoroughly and spent much time
identifying local resources. The oven, built in the garden area on school grounds, will be a tool in
connecting the plants and vegetables the students grow in their gardens with what eventually ends
up on their tables. This year the focus was on getting the students interested and involved in
building the oven. They used local resources to collect clay from the river, helped to build the
cribbing, build the oven base, mix the bricks and build the oven dome. Before the end of their
school year, students put the oven to use and helped to bake pizzas for the whole school. During
the 96-97 school year, teachers will keep the ball rolling by incorporating related history, math,
science and art lessons into their curriculum. The oven will be used by the food service
coordinator and students alike on different occassions.
Coordinators: Audrey, Mary, Bob, Doug
Status:
Project Complete. Will probably continue some involvement in 96-97.
Sutton School Youth Service Day (Caledonia County)
The goal of this project was to involve students at the Sutton School in community service. In
honor of National Volunteer Day, members organized several different clean up/green up
activities in the community. Students spent several hours outdoors raking, moving brush, picking
up garbage and planting, and then returned to their classrooms to discuss what service means.
Later that month, the students were awarded certificates signed by Governor Dean, presented to
them by Jane Williams of the Vermont Commission on National and Community Service. Mr.
LeFavre, the principal, plans to do this on a yearly basis and is interested in integrating community
service into their curriculum more closely. The VAHC NE Anti-Hunger Corps team was able to
connect Mr. LeFavre with someone from the Commission who will work with the Principal to
accomplish this.
Coordinator: Mary
Members: Jessica, Sue, Audrey
Status:
Project Complete.
Danville/Walden School Garden (Caledonia County)
An average of 12 students participated in this garden through out the summer. The goals of this
project, made possible by a School-to-Work grant, were to teach students the business aspects of
gardening (from seed to table) and to teach the value and importance of volunteerism in their
community. Working with community partner Jim Graves, members organized students working
in the garden three days a week, community field trips, in-class instruction, a farm stand and guest
speakers. Students delivered fresh produce to three food shelves, a senior meal site, and a
community meal site: 26 lbs. donated to Danville Food Shelf; 95 lbs. to St. Johnsbury Kingdom
Community Meals and Food Shelf; 20 lbs. to Danville Senior Meal site; 16 lbs. to St. Johnsbury
NEKCA food shelf; 93 lbs. used to create specialty food product, for nutrition and cooking
lessons, and for sale at the farm stand. Produce will continue to be harvested and donated
through October. Anther product of this project is an extensive "how to" book including
explanations all of the garden activities, trips, etc.
Coordinators: Jessica, Sue
Status:
Project Completed. Will follow up to help identify another teacher
who will continue the garden next year because our community
partner there will be working at a different school.
Food To Learn Garden, Hardwick (Caledonia County)
An average of 12 students participated in this garden throughout the summer. The goal of this
project, funded through a grant of Food Works and the Campaign to End Childhood Hunger, was
to get students involved in growing their own vegetables from seed to learn more about the food
cycle. Through this experiential learning experience, students would also be taught about good
nutrition and what food resources are available in their community. The garden project worked in
conjunction with the Hardwick Summer Feeding Program; children ate their lunch at this site, and
three days a week they would participate in the garden. The children's garden plot was part of the
community garden, SO they learned about planting, weeding, watering, mulching and harvesting
while seeing other adults from their community do the same thing in their own gardens. NE team
members actively participated in the preliminary organizing of the garden, and shortly after its
start, community partner and coordinator of the garden, Allison Martin, took on all the planning.
Members continued to support her by being extra hands with the children. Although the harvest
came late this year, Allison Martin will continue to donate the harvest to the Hardwick
Community Dinner and to the Hardwick Food Pantry.
Coordinators: Mary, Audrey
Status:
Project Complete.
Newport SHARE (Orleans County)
Members worked with community partners in Orleans County to start a SHARE site in Newport
by providing organizational structure and promotion for the site. Some people in this area were
getting SHARE packages through the St. Johnsbury site and CFDP who also got there packages
from St. Johnsbury. Now the community in Newport comes together at least once a month to
box their own food and to do community service locally. The community members who showed
interest at the start, Rev. Sean Quinn and Thomas Turcotte are now coordinating the site with
several other volunteers.
Coordinators: Audrey, Mary
Members: Jessica, Sue
Status:
Project Complete. Will check in with them this Fall.
Food Group, Daily Servings Game Board
NE team member worked with staff from the Newport Department of Health, EFNEP (Extended
Food and Nutrition Education Program) and volunteers to create an easily duplicated game board
that teaches the players how many servings from each food group they should eat a day to stay
healthy. Heidi Cooperstein from the Department of Health has a copy that she plans to use with
WIC children and Carlene Briggs has a copy that she will use with children of the families that she
visits. The NE team also has a copy to use next year.
Coordinator: Jessica
Status:
Game board is complete, but information on how often it is being
used and if it is successful at teaching what it is meant to is not.
Kingdom Community Food Shelf, St. Johnsbury (Caledonia County)
The goal of this project was to create a new food shelf in St. Johnsbury in anticipation of NEKCA
having to move away from providing food to their clients. Working with community partner
Mike McCoy, members helped to design policies and procedures, set up the shelf space for easy
access, did some intake of clients while recruiting and training other volunteers, and came up with
ideas for the development of ongoing resources. Since some of the intake involved discussing
what is necessary to make a healthy meal, what alternative food options there are, and local food
resources such as SHARE and Farm to Family Coupons, this project increases local food
resources along with providing nutrition education. Resource referral lists are also handed out.
107 people were served at this new food shelf between March and July. The goals of this project
have been met; Mike McCoy and Amy Broderick continue to run the food shelf with volunteers.
Coordinators: Audrey, Mary
Status:
Project Complete.
Celebrity Car Wash, St. Johnsbury (Caledonia County)
This was a fundraiser for the Kingdom Community Food Shelf that evolved from one of the
brainstorms on how to develop ongoing resources. Local "celebrities"--reverends, state attorney,
school board members, school headmaster, VT Commission on National and Community
Serviceto support the food shelf and to wash cars at Quality Motors, the company that donated
parking lot space, water and hoses. The food shelf and car wash got a lot of coverage over
several radio stations. Over $100 was raised for the food shelf.
Coordinators: Mary, Audrey
Members: Jessica
Status:
Project complete.
96 Statewide AmeriCorps Conference
Members participated in the planning, organizing and implementation of this conference run by
the VT Commission on National and Community Service (VTCNCS). The conference provided
the opportunity for all Vermont AmeriCorps and VISTA members to meet, participate in service
projects together, attend workshops, hear from people on the Commission, and learn about the
many programs in Vermont.
Coordinators: Mary, Sue, Audrey
Status:
Project Completed
Attachment 13B
VAHC CENTRAL TEAM
P.80
Project Development List
July 7, 1996
I. SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
1. Duxbury Town Garden - Washington County
Beginning a garden venture at the State-owned Old Duxbury Farm. Labor will be provided by
various community groups and the Central Team and produce will be grown for local food resources.
Update: The garden has been planted and is growing. The first of weekly community workdays is
planned. The project has received an award from the America the Beautiful fund and will be awarded a "Peace
Pole" at a ceremony in August. An arrangement for the distribution of the produce has been agreed upon by
the Waterbury Food Shelf and the Waterbury Senior Center. Use of a root cellar has been donated for storage
of the vegetables. WCAX TV News is planning a spotlight of the Garden on July 11.
2. FoodWorks Youth Waste Management Project (SCRAPPS/ The Wonderful World of Wigglers) - Orange,
Washington Counties
Assisting in the post-survey of twelve classrooms participating in the FoodWorks indoor composting
project in order to assess interest in and encourage the development of both indoor and outdoor classroom
garden projects.
Update: The Member has successfully completed the SCRAPPS project and was able to begin small
scale gardening projects with four Elementary schools in the Central Vermont area including Berlin
Elementary, Marion Cross School in Windsor, Union Elementary School in Montpelier and East Montpelier.
A total of 109 fourth grade students participated in the gardening projects.
3. Highgate Resident's Association Social Service Task Force - Community Gardening Project Washington
County
Assisting in the creation of agricultural opportunities for individuals in the complex and teaching
nutrition education through art to children enrolled in the Washington County Youth Services Bureau
Highgate Project.
Update: Members built 12 container gardens and 11 smaller planters for 22 residential units and the
Washington County Youth Services Bureau unit. Members have facilitated the first of three workshops in
garden starting, maintaining, and harvesting, offered to residents through the assistance of a Master Gardener
and 4-H. The first of three nutrition education activities has also taken place with the WCYSB kids: A veggie
pizza cooking class, a vegetable doll craft class, and an art activity focused on the garden. All of the residents
gardens are planted and Members will now serve as mentors for individual residents.
4. Laraway School Garden Project - Lamoille County
Following up with a successful garden project of last program year, Member's will assist the School
Staff in strengthening the connections to the local community and identifying appropriate individual families
for receipt of the garden produce.
Update: Two members may be assisting with the garden on a very limited basis, although the boys are
able to do the majority of the work. Central team assisted in connecting Laraway with both LENS and the
hnson food shelf and identifying two individual families for produce distribution.
5. NOFA Farm Share Program - Orange, Lamoille, Washington
Expanding the '94-'95 Farm Share Program (which connects low-income families with local CSA
farm produce shares) into the NW and SF reaions ornanding the Contral reainn fundraisor and
strengthening the nutrition education component required of the recipients.
Update: The Farm Share Team has succeeded in connecting 12 households with four CSA's in the
Entral Vermont arca. 1
evaluate the participants reactions and learning so far. Members are coordinating with the CSA Farmers and
are planning for the Nutrition Education workshops which will be offered to the participants in the program.
6. Gardens For Learning - Washington County
Assisting with the garden centered activities at the Barre City School Summer Food Service Program
Site.
Update: Members assisted in building the garden, planting and participate three times each week in
planning and leading garden activities with the kids.
II. NUTRITION EDUCATION
1. Central VT Council on Aging Healthy Living Wellness Program - Orange, Lamoille, Washington
Training Seniors to teach nutrition and exercise to seniors in Orange, Washington and Lamoille
counties.
Update: Members have begun a pilot program at the Waterbury Senior Center and will be working one
day a week for five weeks. The success of this pilot will determine the programs feasibility for other senior
centers and will hopefully be a beginning to a project that year three members will be able to step into.
2. Good Samaritan Haven Homeless Shelter Project - Washington County
Providing food safety information, improving food safety procedures and policy, and enhancing the
eal program at this homeless shelter in Barre.
Update: Members have built a compost, a large container garden and are thoroughly cleaning the
foodshelf, disposing of old food and building new shelves.
3. Highgate Resident's Association Social Service Task Force - Community Gardening Project Washington
County
(See Above)
4. Newport Town School Community Oven - Orleans County
Collaborating with the NE Team to build an outdoor, clay community oven in conjunction with the
FoodWorks Common Roots Program in Newport. Incorporating the building and use of the oven with
nutrition education and local history.
Update: Members have successfully completed the Community Oven project and will be compiling a
thorough replication manual.
5. NOFA Farm Share Program - Orange, Lamoille, Washington
(See Above)
6. WIC Clinic Farm to Family Coupon Distribution - Washington County
Planning and conducting food demonstrations and farmers market demonstrations for Farm to
amily" Coupon distribution dates at WIC clinics in Washington County in an effort to increase coupon
utilization and client knowledge base of Farmer's Markets.
Update: Members have conducted the fist three food demos and will continue through August.
II. FOOD RESOURCES
Central VT Council on Aging Twin Valley Survey - Washington County
Outreach Project to inform seniors in the area about services available to them and to encourage the
use of Meals on Wheels and the Plainfield Senior Center.
Update: The Council on aging has decided to focus on East Montpelier as a pilot activity for this
survey. The start date is planned for August. Members are currently awaiting both the funding for mileage
reimbursement and the survey questions from Council on Aging. The CoA is working to assess the location of
the target population and are evaluating the most effective outreach methods.
2. Duxbury Town Garden - Washington County
(See Above)
3. NOFA Farm Share Program - Orange, Lamoille, Washington
(See Above)
4. Northfield Senior Center Reminiscence Group - Washington County
Conducting weekly discussion groups with Northfield Seniors, following lunch. The discussion topics
revolve around the agrarian history and traditions of Central Vermont. Efforts will be made to connect local
youth to these discussion groups. This project will encourage broader participation at the congregate meal
site.
Update: The discussion group is going smoothly and participation rates at the Wednesday meal have
gun to rise. Members are also planning for the sustainability of the program after they leave and are
beginning work on a replicability guide.
5. VT Foodbank Agency Assistance - Orange, Lamoille, Washington Counties
Assisting agencies of the VT Foodbank in our three counties through provision of information and
resources for food safety and nutrition education, addressing the physical needs, increasing the
organization's food supply and assisting in volunteer recruiting and training.
Update: A letter was sent to 52 Foodshelves throughout the State, offering VAHC assistance. Central
Team has yet to receive a response.
IV. SCHOOL BREAKFAST
1. VT Campaign To End Childhood Hunger Barre School Breakfast Promotion - Washington County
Collaborated with the CECH to conduct a City wide breakfast promotion in Barre.
Update: Events included a four week publicity series with local newspapers and radio stations and
staffing tables at two local WIC clinics, a community event at the Berlin Mall and the local Howard's Market.
A breakfast promotion event was also held in the Barre High School. The Barre Town School has agreed to
gin a pilot breakfast program.
V. SUMMER FEEDING PROGRAM
1. VT Campaign To End Childhood Hunger Summer Feeding Service Program Site Development -
ashington, Lamoille County
Collaborating with the CECH to contact the current SFSP sponsors in the Central VT region to
ensure that all are preparing to renew their sponsorship of the program.
Update: The Team Leader had no luck in finding a replacement sponsor for the Lamoille County
SFSP sites and the deadline has passed. A new SFSP site has been established at the Barre Town School and
will have a FoodWorks "Gardens to Learn" program (see above "Gardens For Learning") )which Members will
assist on a weekly basis. The Highgate Complex in Barre has decided to discontinue their SFP this year due to
lack of support and volunteers from within the Highgate Community.
VI. ONGOING ACTIVITIES
1. Marshfield Community Supper - Menu planning and food preparation for weekly community supper.
Second Wednesday of the Month.
2. Waterbury Senior Center - Food preparation and service for Congregate Meal Site and Meals on Wheels.
Thursday mornings.
3. TEFAP Commodities Distribution - Assisting the VT Foodbank in commodities distribution in three
counties.
Second week of alternate months.
Attachment
13C
P.8C
SOUTHEAST TEAM
FINAL PROJECT REPORT
1996 PROGRAM YEAR
1. Sustainable Agriculture
Westminster Center School Garden
The team organized a school garden kick-off celebration to which community
members were invited. Volunteers were recruited to maintain the garden during
the summer months at the celebration. Peggy prepared grant materials for the
teachers of the East Wing making it easier for them to apply for funding for a
greenhouse. Members also attended summer garden maintenence days on four
different Saturday mornings.
Coordinator: Peggy and Joyce
Status: Completed
Future: Potential project site. Goals need to be clearly defined.
Teachers continue to praise our work and hope for future involvement.
NOFA Farm Share Program
The Southeast Team participated in the project for the first time this year and
raised $2200.00 which translated into nine sponsored shares. Thirty low
income people received fresh organic produce all summer long. Money was
raised through a variety of means: Share Our Harvest fundraiser, Car Wash,
Raffle, and direct solicitation to Vermont National Bank's Socially Responsible
Banking Fund-- which contributed $1200.00 to the cause.
Coordinators: Ali and Joyce
Status: Completed
Future: NOFA may coordinate the project next year and we may provide
assistance. We will await word from Julie (Central Team) or NOFA.
Southeastern Vermont Correctional Facility Garden
Our role, this year, was to design a distribution system wherein produce
recipients were actively involved. Each agency receiving produce from the
correctional facility sent a representative to the prison on a designated day of
the week. Agencies receiving produce included: A senior center and Meals On
Wheels Provider, two low income housing developments, a summer lunch
program, a foodshelf and community meal site. Approximately 2,500 pounds of
produce had been distributed when the VAHC program year ended.
Coordinator: Brian
Status: Completed
Future: Check-in with the facility in early Spring to assess what is
needed.
Norwich Community Garden
This was a new project done in conjunction with the Hanover Food Coop. They
oversee a community garden in Norwich and donated nine plots to the Anti-
Hunger Corps and low income community members. The vegetables grown in
the garden were distributed to local food assistance programs, shelters, Meals
On Wheels providers, and to those contributing to gharden maintenence. The
project was the recipient of a Peace Pole. Victor recruited volunteers from
Dartmouth College, Interlocken summer camp, the Bugbee Senior Center, and
the community at large.
Coordinator: Victor
Status: Victor was given an extention to finish documentation
Future: We will need to involved next year to firm-up community
ownership and participation.
Rockingham Central Elementary School Garden
We assisted the school in maintaining their gardens throughout the summer.
Coordinator: Ali
Status: Completed
Westminster Family Housing Garden
The team assisted with the initial planting of the garden and ongoing
maintenence days.
Coordinators: Dhyana and Rick
Status: Completed
Future: Contact tenants early in the Spring to organize garden plan.
Springfield Community Garden
We were involed to a lesser extent this year with garden meetings, planting
day, and maitenence days. This was a project from last year which was taken
over by community members.
Coordinator: Brian
Status: Completed
Future: May need to be involved again next year to a greater degree as
the garden did not have enough community support this year.
Vetrans Hospital Garden
Brian and team assisted with the creation of a garden at the hospital by
building ten raised beds. The garden will be planted and fully utilized next year.
Coordinator: Brian Smith
Status: Completed
2. NUTRITION EDUCATION
Early Education Cooking and Nutition Workshops
Early Ed. requested our return this year and we provided four cooking and
nutrition workshops for women in recovery. The emphasis was on the
preparation of healthy, affordable, food and making mealtime enjoyable.
Coordinators: Ali, Peggy, and Joyce
Status: Completed
Future: They have been given names of people/institutions willing to help
in the future so our asistance may not be needed.
Department of Corrections Lifeskills/Nutrition Workshops
This was a new project wherein we worked with young men who are in a court
diversion program in Brattleboro. We developed a cirriculum focusing on
cooking and nutrition which included four one and a half hour workshops.
Coordinators: Brian and Joyce
Status: Completed
Future: Corrections would like us to repeat classes and become involved
with numerous other projects next year.
3. FOOD RESOURCES/EMPOWERMEWNT
High School Hunger Coalition
The purpose of this project was to link high school students with community
programs in need of volunteers and to empower students to develop their own
projects to fight hunger on the local level. Dhyana and Rick organized three
workshops for Wellness day (April 26, 1996) at Bellows Falls Union High School
and invited students to become involved in an array of community food projects.
Eight students signed-up to work at local elementary school gardens.
As an offshoot of this projectthe SE team conducted a hunger banquet for
Rockingham Central Elementary School's fourth grade class. Also, a traveling
photo exhibit on Hunger in Vermont was created and was displayed at several
locations throughout August.
Coordinators: Dhyana and Rick
Status: Completed
Future: Hunger Exhibit needs to be utilized and high schools need to be
mobilized.
Springfield Family Center
Brian worked with the SFC on developing new data collection systems in order
for the Family Center to run more efficiently. Brian acquired several used
computers for the Family Center, installed them and, trained all staff to use
them.
Coordinator: Brian Smith
Status: Completed
Windsor Area Meals on Wheels
Victor assisted the Windsor area M.O.W. coordinator in recruiting volunteers
for meal deliveries. He also assisted in securing volunteers for the area's
monthly congregate meals.
Coordinator: Victor
Status: Completed
Farm to Family Coupon Distribution
The Southeast Team was asked by SEVCA to handle the distribution of Farm
to Family Coupons in the Springfield and Brattleboro areas. Over two hundred
books were distributed benetting over three hundred individuals.
Coordinator: Peggy
Status: Complete
4. SCHOOL BREAKFAST
Rockingham Elementary Schools' Breakfast Celebration
The team assisted parents in organizing school breakfast celebrations at three
elementary schools. The SE team helped with breakfast preparation, set-up,
and offered a nutrition education activity in each of the three schools.
Coordinator: Entire team
Status: Completed
5. SUMMER LUNCH
Brian assisted the Springfield Community Partnership in organizing a summer
lunch and recreation program for school aged children in Springfield. The lunch
was non-subsidized and Brian acquired several food donations to keep program
costs down.
Coordinator: Brian
Status: Completed
See attached list of direct service activities
DIRECT SERVICE WORK--- 1996 PROGRAM YEAR
Community Meals:
Loaves and Fishes
Location: Center Congregational Church, Brattleboro
Contact: Dele
Description of work: Meal preparation, serving, clean-up.
Great Falls Community Meal
Location: Emanual Church, Bellows Falls
Contact: Mary Haas
Description of work: Assist with meal prep, serving, clean-up.
Canal House Community Meal
Location: Canal House, Bellows Falls
Contact: Irene Ayer-- 463-9863
Description of work -- Assist with meal prep, serving, clean-up. Mingling and
socializing with people.
Windsor and Ascutney Congregate Meals
Contact: Pauline Perron-- 436-2179
Description of work: Set-up, meal prep, serving, clean-up, entertainment if possible.
Wilmington Middle High School Monthly Senior Meal
Contact: Kitchen Staff-- 464-5255
Description of work: Assistance with meal prep, serving and clean-up during the
Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.
Drop-In Centers and Food Shelves
Brattleboro Area Drop-In Center
Contact: Melinda Doyle (Director) or Deb Duff (Food Shelf Coordinator) 257-2005
Description of work: Thanksgiving Holiday Basket Distribution, Christmas Food and
Gift Drive pick-ups and distribution, Food drives as needed, participation in Farm and
Food Coalition Meetings, Gleaning.
Our Place Drop-In Center
Contact: Donna Stevens (Director) -- 463-2217
Description of work -- Foodshelf assistance, food drives as needed, rural/home delivery
assistance, visiting with people who drop-in.
Springfield Family Center
Contact: Deb Luce (Director) -- 885-3646
Description of work-- Holiday food distributions, Food buying club distribution
assistance, and gleaning.
Ludlow Community Foodshelf at Black River Good Neighbor Center
Contact: Patti Leblanc -- 228-3663
Description of work: Food drives as needed.
Meals On Wheels
Brattleboro Senior Center
Contact: Lisa-- 257-7570
Description of work: Meal delivery, handing out flyers to recruit meals on wheels
drivers, serving at congregate meal.
Windsor Meals on Wheels
Contact: Pauline Perron -- 436-2179
Description of work: Meal Delivery, Handing out flyers to recruit drivers.
Commodities Distribution (Now defunct)
Contact: Martha Leinoff (SEVCA Outreach)-- 295-5215
Description of work: Assistance with commodities delivery and distribution days in the
Springfield, Jacksonville, White River Junction, and Townshend areas.
Other Direct Service Activities
Whetstone Brook Clean-Up
Contact -- Bonnyvale Environmental and Education Center -- 254-3989
Description of work: As a part of National Volunteer Service Day in April, we joined
together with the Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center to clean-up the Whetstone
Brook. Volunteers from the Brattleboro Teen Center joined us.
VLIAC Conference
Contact: Todd Farnsworth
Description of work: Assistance with food prep, serving, and clean-up. Leading teen
outdoor activities, face painting.
New Hampshire Americorps Conference
Contact: NH. Commission on National and Community Service
Description of Service: Participation in direct service projects set up by the conference
organizers. Service projects included-- planting vegetables at a CSA and trail
maintenance.
Anti-hunger team works
to educate and raise funds
By ANNETTE LARSON
the railroad station and Parks
Reformer Staff
Place, both in Bellows Falls.
BELLOWS FALLS - The
The photos, donated by local
words "hunger" and "Ver-
photographers Maia McNeill of
mont" rarely go together in
Putney, Jessica Dolan of
most people's minds. But the
Brattleboro and. Peter Field
seven-member Southern Ver-
Peck of Brattleboro, were stark
mont Anti-Hunger Corps knows
black-and-white images inter-
differently. One of every six
mingled with literary quotes on
children in Vermont is hungry
hunger and poems by Vermont
or at risk of being hungry, ac-
poet David Budbill.
cording to state figures.
Hunger, as one placard read,
"I had a personal interest
is "The painful sensation or
from growing up in poverty,"
said Richard Bush, one team
state of weakness caused by the
need for food."
member who has spent the last
Photographs of weed-choked
10 months dedicating his life to
lots, chipped plaster walls, lo-
fighting hunger in southern
cal food-shelf volunteers and an
Vermont. He spoke Friday at a
area homeless woman were
reception sponsored by the
mounted on cardboard from
corps.
"I wanted to see what I could
pizza and vegetable boxes on
chicken wire frames.
do to help break the cycle,"
Bush said. One of his projects
"We had no budget at all,"
was a photo exhibit to increase
said Iris. "Everything we used
local awareness about the
we had to salvage."
problems of hunger in this
She and Bush scavenged the
area.
recycling center and local
Bush and Dhyana Iris as-
backyards for materials. In
sembled the exhibit for the
addition to educating area res-
Bellows Falls Union High
idents about hunger, the corps
Annette Larson
School "wellness days," during
also planted gardens, held fund-
VERMONT ANTI-HUNGER CORPS members Richard Bush and
which they also gave three
raisers to buy fresh vegetables
Dhyana Iris describe their photo exhibit which was featured at a
workshops on hunger in Ver-
for local families and gave
reception Friday. Corps members have spent the last 10 months on
mont. The exhibit has also been
workshops on nutrition and
various projects to feed southern Vermont's hungry citizens and
shown at a conference at the
healthful cooking.
raise awareness about the problems of hunger in the area.
Statehouse in Montpelier and
See HUNGER, Page 20
team leader, said plans for the
next round of corps activities,
which start in October, are al-
ready coming together. She said
they expect to be involved in more
Meals on Wheels and food-shelf
stocking as opposed to community
The local anti-hunger corps is
organizing.
part of President Clinton's na-
tional service initiative under the
AmeriCorps banner. Members
make a 1-year commitment to
give more than 1,800 hours of ser-
vice in exchange for a living sti-
pend of $8,000.
Hammond said the southern
Vermont corps will also expand to
cover Bennington and Rutland
counties in addition to Windham
and Windsor.
What we want to avoid is the
lag time," she said of the corps'
focus. "We want people to get into
service right away. Project de-
velopment is very time consum-
ing. We're into getting things
done."
Hunger_
Continued from
This past spring, corps member
Peggy Pearse of Brattleboro
worked with the Westminster
Center School garden project.
More than 70 students and com-
munity members put in the gar-
den, which is now feeding town
"It was a very joyful experi-
ence," Pearse said. "There's
something that happens when
children and the earth join to-
gether. All creation rejoices."
This is the fifth year of the
school garden, which included a
spring fund-raiser selling mari-
gold seedlings and using computer
software to plan the garden lay-
"They're learning commerce,
biology, math and agriculture,"
Pearce said. "It originally was
started to grow healthy snacks."
Also this spring, the corps held a
car wash to buy produce shares
from three local organic farms.
Ali Bodkins, a corps member
from Westminster West, said
around 50 people are fed through
"I wanted to try to help people
families.
this effort.
be aware of what's available and
to help people help themselves,"
she said of her involvement in the
anti-hunger group.
"There's such misuse of re-
sources," she said. "People
sometimes get to a point where
they have to ask for help, even
though they're afraid."
Holly Hammond, this year's
out.
Attachment
13D P.8D
VAHC NORTHWEST TEAM
Project Development List
July 18, 1996
I. FOOD SAFETY NET (Food Resources and Food Assistance)
1. SARA HOLBROOK COMMUNITY CENTER HOLIDAY BASKETS
Planning, soliciting donations, matching recipients, and packing 200 food
packages for Thanksgiving and an additional 400 food packages including
gifts for the Chanmukah/Christmas/Kwanzaa holiday. The sustainable portion of this
experience is that we are leaving an extensive "How To" mamual for Sara Holbrook
for next year's effort.
Status: Completed. Evaluation Completed. Final documentation being polished.
Point person: Erica Gibson
Planning group: Francheska Chalidze, Erica Gibson, Jack Jessup.
Workers/support: Johanna Ballinger, Catherine Elwert, Ron Hynes and
Shawn May.
2. CHITTENDEN EMERGENCY FOODSHELF SUPPORT
*Substituting for student workers in the distribution room while they're gone for
the holiday break. Wrapping Christmas/Channukah/Kwanzaa gifts for foodshelf
recipients in need.
*
Constructing and supplying a children's playspace corner. We are also offering a six-
month "maintenance contract" on the space while we train several volunteers to contimue
in this capacity in a more sustainable way.
*Creating some training materials for future distribution room workers about certain
special diets, and creating some brochures for non-English speaking foodshelf recipients
who read Russian, Serbian and Vietnamese. These would list what items of information
are necessary to make application to use the foodshelf.
Status: All of these projects are completed, with the exception of the playspace
"maintenance contract". Evaluations are being written currently.
Point persons: Elizabeth Keough for holiday project, Ron Hynes for childcare
space, and Francheska Chalidze for brochure translation and special diet
information.
Workers: Entire team for holiday project, Elizabeth Keough for childcare space.
3. CVAA MEALS ON WHEELS RECIPIENT NUTRITIONAL INTAKE AND REFERRAL
(approved by Bari)
Working in the Champlain Valley to evaluate qualifications, nutritional behaviors and
associated needs of elder recipients of Meals on Wheels. Ensuring sustainability of this
project through partnering with UVM MSW and BSW internship program, as well as
creating a file of all applicable intern possibilities for all Champlain Valley colleges.
Status: Intakes are ongoing. Future intern replacements from the UVM BSW
program are being interviewed and matched for Fall 1996. A file of intern
possibilities in the Champlain Valley is being compiled for CVAA.
Related Activities:
1. EXPANSION of S.H.A.R.E. PROGRAM in NORTHWEST VT.
Community organizing in Vergennes as a result of our Climate Survey work resulted
in the creation of a new community organization, "SOAR" (Share Our Area Resources),
which accomplished as one of their first tasks the establishment of a new SHARE site.
Joining with CVOEO/FGICA as a community partner, several members have done
outreach in Franklin and Grand Isle counties to create interest around the potential
establishment of another site in that region.
Status: This is an ongoing effort. To date several key community members have
been consolidated in Franklin county to continue this work.
Involved members: Shawn May, Jack Jessup, Francheska Chalidze, et al.
2. ASSORTED TRAINING ACTIVITIES INCLUDING MEALS on WHEELS ASSISTANCE
Status: Completed. Point person: Elizabeth Keough. Members: Entire Team.
3. FOOD DRIVES in ADDISON and WASHINGTON COUNTIES. Also: PASSOVER FOOD
DRIVE in CHITTENDEN COUNTY.
Status: Completed. Members involved: Catherine Elwert, Johanna Ballinger et al.
4. REPAIRING CVAA FOODCART for SUMMER DISTRIBUTION to ELDERS.
Status: Repairs, painting and papering nearly completed. Members: Ron Hynes
and Catherine Elwert.
5. For MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY of DIRECT SERVICE: PAINT FOODSHELF
FLOOR for ADDISON COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION/CVOEO. ALSO
CLEANED FOODSHELF
Status: Completed. Members involved: Francheska Chalidze, Catherine Elwert,
Jack Jessup, Erica Gibson, Shawn May and Johanna Ballinger.
6. DISTRIBUTED VAHC IN-KIND DONATION OF 343 FAMILY TURKEY DINNERS to:
BURLINGTON MOW (MEALS ON WHEELS)--22, CEFS (CHITTENDEN
EMERGENCY FOODSHELF)--300, FGICA/CVOEO FOODSHELF-15 AND ASHAI
(ABENAKI SELF-HELP ASSOCIATION) FOODSHELF--6.
Status: Completed. Members involved: Francheska Chalidze, Catherine Elwert,
and Jack Jessup..
7. COMMODITIES DISTRIBUTION ASSISTANCE
Helping СѴОЕО in all four counties with key distribution sites. We are working with
all four counties to make the transition experienced by recipients due to the termination
of this program as smooth as possible. We are doing more fact-finding at this stage, and
expect to combine some survey techniques of recipients with some type of referral system.
Status: Completed. Program has terminated.
Point person: Jack Jessup. Members involved: Entire team.
I
This project involves assisting members of the community garden in FGI to garden most
effectively, and also to provide a demonstration garden at the community site, the
produce of which will be donated to the house-bound elder who donates his yard to make
the garden possible. We are currently exploring what needs the gardeners involved have.
Point person: Francheska Chalidze.
Members involved: Francheska Chalidze, Jack Jessup and Elizabeth Keough.
8. VALLEY VIEW REMINISCENCE PROJECT IN VERGENNES
This potential project involves gardening activities with the residents of Valley View, as
well as doing a creative/documentation piece with the participants recording their food
and agricultural memories.
Status: The garden has been planted including a demonstration plot. Remiscence
groups are planned, using the video medium to focus the discussion.
Point person: Elizabeth Keough.
Other members involved: Francheska Chalidze and Ron Hynes.
9. WAKE ROBIN CONTAINER GARDENING
This project involves container gardening with the elderly residents of this congregate
housing project.
Status: The gardens are planted and ongoing meetings with residents are
happening.
Point person: Elizabeth Keough.
Interested members: Erica Gibson and Jack Jessup.
Related Activities:
1. DIGGING IRRIGATION DITCH FOR THE INTERVALE FOUNDATION BERRY
PROJECT
Status: Completed. Involvement: Entire Corps.
2. HELPING THE NATIONAL GARDENING ASSOCIATION BUILD A CHILDREN'S
MULTI-CULTURAL GARDEN at ETHAN ALLEN HOMESTEAD.
Status: Completed. Involvement: Francheska Chalidze, Jack Jessup and Ron
Hynes.
3. STAFFED DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE BOOTH at CHEW CHEW FESTIVAL
and DISTRIBUTED INFORMATION on CSA'S and the FARMSHARE PROGRAM.
V. NUTRITION EDUCATION
1. LIFESKILLS for YO'S (approved by Bari)
Working with Ellen Sklar at Probation and Parole in the Dept. of Corrections in
Burlington.
*Expanding and improving upon last year's team's nutrition education curriculum, and
piloting with 2 (larger) groups of youthful offenders.
H
*Identifying and procuring a gardening site for YO's.
Status: The classes are completed and evaluated. The gardensite has been located.
We have been asked to conduct a mini-version of the nutrition class with a third
group of YO's, and are negotiating potential appropriate involvement.
Point person: Shawn May.
Members involved: Instructors: Catherine Elwert, Erica Gibson, Ron Hynes and
Shawn May. Curriculum Development: Johanna Ballinger and Elizabeth Keough.
Support: Jack Jessup.
2. OLD NORTH END FOOD PROJECT NUTRITION CURRICULUM REPLICATION AND
PILOTING BEYOND BURLINGTON'S OLD NORTH END
This project involves doing nutrition education activities at various summer food service
program sites, and finding a volunteer base to continue this work in the future. Possible
sites are located in all four counties of the northwest region. A second involvement in
this project includes distributing nutritional education materials and recipe samples at
the Old North End Farmer's Market.
Status: Four county schedule is complete, and many sessions with kids have
successfully occured.
Point person: Johanna Ballinger.
Other members involved: Francheska Chalidze, Catherine Elwert, Erica Gibson,
Ron Hynes, Jack Jessup and Shawn May.
VI. EMPOWERMENT
1. EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT OUTREACH AND PROMOTION
(directed by Bari)
After identifying where free tax assistance is available, we worked to identify
how much this has been advertised, who is not being served with the existing outreach,
how to measure/quantify the numbers of people taking advantage of the EIC, and how
we can fill in these gaps through postering, PSA production, door-to-door outreach,
and interviewing various tax assistance groups. Information was also distributed at
March commodities distribution.
Status: Completed postering, PSA's and other outreach. Evaluation completed.
Point person: Jack Jessup.
Members involved: Entire team.
2. UVM FOODSHED COALITION to DEVELOP MODEL FOOD POLICY for VT.
MUNICIPALITIES
Status: Team Leader Lisa Guccione has taken over the networking with
this project. Members Francheska Chalidze and Elizabeth Keough attended
the last meeting with her.
DIRECT SERVICE COMPLETED
1. NCCC ASSISTANCE in TRAILBUILDING for RIVERWALK TRAIL. (Catherine Elwert
and Ron Hynes).
2. SERVICE DAYS with TEAMMEMBERS from OTHER TEAMS: ASSISTANCE for
ELDERS at LENS in JOHNSON for the HOLIDAYS. (Entire Team).
3. For MLK DAY: CLEANED, SORTED AND ORGANIZED the STORAGE LOFT for
THE VERMONT REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT CENTER. (Johanna Ballinger,
Francheska Chalidze, Catherine Elwert, Erica Gibson, Ron Hynes, Jack Jessup and
Elizabeth Keough).
4. NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE: TUNE-UP FOR GREEN-UP. Cleaning up the Dog River
in Northfield and the railroad bed by the Winooski River in Montpelier. (Entire Team).
5. REPRESENTATION AT THE CHAMPLAIN INITIATIVE COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY MEETINGS. (Jack Jessup and Shawn May).
6. FACE-PAINTING for the "HANDS ARE NOT FOR HITTING" COMMUNITY EVENT.
(Johanna Ballinger and Jack Jessup).
7. WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST: WILDLIFE CLEARING CLEANING
(Francheska Chalidze and Erica Gibson) and ORGANIZING FOREST-CENTER FILES
(Johanna Ballinger).
8. CVOEO DOOR-TO-DOOR OUTREACH for THE OLD NORTH END FOOD PROJECT.
This project includes the Old North End Farmer's Market, WIC outreach for Farm to
Family Coupons, and nutritional information for kids involved in local day camps. (Ron
Hynes, Jack Jessup, Elizabeth Keough, and Shawn May).
9. VT. LOW INCOME ADVOCACY COUNCIL'S FAMILY CAMPING EXPERIENCE
SUPPORT. Catherine Elwert did a workshop on recycling. Johanna Ballinger, Catherine
Elwert, Erica Gibson, Ron Hynes and Jack Jessup did kitchen shifts.
Attachment
BE
P8E
Southwest Team Project Status
March 1996
Underway:
Southwest Council on Aging
Meals on Wheels Needs Assessments
Erica Lesniak & Jen Ames
Members spend approximately 16 hours per week each conducting needs
assessment in recipients' homes or (infrequently) over the phone.
When they began, the SWCOA was behind approximately 300 assessments
in Bennington and Rutland counties. To date, Erica and Jen have
done 73. The information they collect is used to evaluate the
appropriateness of services for each of the recipients and in some
cases lead to referrals to advocates, changes in menus or referral
to additional social service agencies.
Area High Schools
High School Hunger Coalition Project
Erin Willard & Erica Lesniak
Meetings have been held with eight area high schools and
presentations have been scheduled with three, the rest are likely
to follow shortly. Erin and Erica had their first presentation at
Proctor High School to the Learn & Serve class, 20 students. They
developed a curriculum for the presentations which includes a fact
sheet about the project, hunger/poverty statistics, a budgeting and
a community assessment exercise for the students, and a brainstorm
session on what type of service opportunities are available. Two
projects are likely at this time: one with Proctor and one with
Burr & Burton High School.
BROC
Purple Spaghetti Nutrition Education Workshops
Erica Lesniak & Erin Willard
As part of Purple Spaghetti, and art and nutrition education
program run by BROC, Erica and Erin are developing a workshop for
kindergarten students. The theme is Native American foods and they
are planning activities with blue corn products. There will also
be follow-up activities that the kids can do at home. They will
also be presenting the Food Groupies to Head Start classes.
Head Start
Annual Conference
Erica Lesniak, Jen Ames, Erin Willard
Working in partnership with one of the Head Start mothers, the
members are developing a booth for the conference which deals with
Food budgeting.
Developing:
BROC and VNA
Rutland Farmer's Market Gleaning
Jen Ames
Jen has been doing preliminary research for the logistics of
setting up the Gleaning Program which last year's team had been
part of developing and which benefitted Rutland area senior housing
residents. Our role is yet to be defined for this year; BROC and
VNA seem to have things under control. We may possibly be active
in volunteer recruitment.
UVM Extension, 4-H, VNA, BROC
Forest Park Community Garden
Jen Ames, Erica Lesniak, Erin Willard
Forest Park is a low-income housing development with a very active
community center. This will be the first community garden they
have had and UVM Extension and 4-H are taking the lead. Most
likely our involvement will be in recruiting students from Rutland
High School to work at the garden. There is the possibility of us
helping BROC with the nutrition education piece and/or planning
community events around the garden.
Manchester Interfaith Council, Burr & Burton Seminary High School
Interfaith Garden
Jen Ames, Erin Willard, Erica Lesniak
Working with the students we are exploring several possibilities
for the garden including marketing it to people who utilize the
food cupboard and cultivating a plot for the senior meal site, both
of which are next door to the garden.
Southwest Council on Aging
One-Day Service Project
Jen Ames
In response to a need perceived during a needs assessment, Jen is
exploring the possibility of a one-day project cleaning and fixing
up the home of an older, disabled couple. The project could
possibly include students from Rutland High School and may be
replicated if successful.
9
USDA State Progress Report Operating Site ID.# C50A
15. Community Service Objectives Narrative:
While we are well aware of the obligation to stated objections, our model of service involves a
matching of the interests, resources, and needs in the communities, as well as the interests,
training and team commitment to specific projects. Each of our teams serves a large geographic
region, and has to respond to all the needs and requirements of the grant within each team, sort of
like regional mini-programs, as opposed to some anti-hunger programs which are more
geographically succinct, where the teams are each targeted or singularly defined, such as the
"gardening team".
Another component of our model is the desire to create sustainable efforts that are not
dependent on AmeriCorps to function. That means to us, that we may spend more time on some
individual projects, with both a service outcome and a product outcome wherever possible. For
example, for everything in which we have a development role, such as a new garden developed
with low income housing residents, an interactive nutrition/life skills curriculum with and for
youthful offenders, or an innovative french Canadian oven and elementary school-wide garden
project that involves culture, nutrition, building/construction, cooking, gardening, and interacting
with curriculum, we do the service and produce a complete manual that documents the whole
process so that it can be replicated and sustained by the community partners. Part of our project
service, as opposed to direct service such as serving meals, gardening, doing utensil, cookbook,
and food drives, is to attempt to leave the community partner stronger and better able to sustain
the effort. The "product", for example was a volunteer manual we created for a mealsite that kept
loosing volunteers because the program didn't provide adequate information for the comfort level
of their volunteers. It also means that we produced a completely documented how-to manual for a
huge community holiday food drive that was perpetually disorganized and in crisis, so that this
year there is a list of contacts and a timeline of activity defined up until the day of food delivery,
and the VAHC just gets to "help out" as opposed to our critical organizational role last year.
I am mentioning all this by way of background in reviewing our performance on our stated
objectives. We encountered some resistance to and lack of interest and/or perhaps energy in the
development of new programs such as new food shelves, new breakfast sites, and new summer
10
# 15 cont'd
USDA State Progress Report Operating Site ID.# C50A
food sites. What we learned from our first year of service, now looking back from the end of the
second year of service, is that new development requires a longer, more persistent, and skilled
approach. Some of the seeds that we planted last year while doing community surveys of
breakfast programs, schools, food shelves, etc. in during which we asked about interest in
developing new programs, finally began to gather momentum this year. This year we went back
and worked with new and somewhat shaky programs started last year, to become more stable and
self-sufficient, which also felt more responsible and respectful of their efforts than putting
significant focus on starting many more new programs.
This year we worked very closely with the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger and
the Vermont Department of Education which administers the school and summer food programs.
Because of the significant training required to set up these paper intensive programs, our role
became defined as more of the outreach, program stabilizers as opposed to the developers, in
which the Campaign took a larger role. We were trained to monitor summer food programs and in
that role, was able to also evaluate program needs and provide such improvements as enrollment
booster campaigns, nutrition education activities, and affiliation of these programs with other
resources in the community such as recreation programs.
While we perceived a growing demand for emergency food for people with traditionally low
incomes, those working families on the edge, the elderly person, and the person with a disability
who lives on a low income, community movers and shakers were not always sure they had hungry
people, or if they did they took care of their own. Consequently, we were often surprised at the
level of denial or disinterest in developing a food shelf, or community meal, or summer food
program in areas that strongly appeared to have needs because of the distance to services, or large
populations of families with children eligible for free and/or reduced lunch. What we did find
working in our favor, was the value of publicity and success. When we did develop or improve a
program, we always tried to get lots of press and recognition for the effort and achievement of the
community organizers. Consequently, community "development by coveting" became a
significant, but longer range tool. One community that developed a successful garden, attracted
the interest of another community that up until this time didn't see the need for one in their town.
# 15 cont'd
USDA State Progress Report Operating Site ID.# C50A
Another example, was that last year we attempted to start a garden at the request of some tenant
families in a low income housing complex. After significant effort, 3 families attempted some
gardening, and we felt relatively unhelpful and not successful in bringing the skills and maintaining
interest. This year we were invited back, and 25 families signed on, with a waiting list for next
year, and brought all their gardens to fruition, attended all the Master Gardener classes provided,
and participated in the family pre-garden and nutrition activities with their children. They are
organizing a Harvest supper, in a community of residents who have never suppered together
before.
Schools here, as most everywhere, are suffering under the weight of tight budgets, more
mandates, and a highly taxed populous. They are reluctant to take on another program, such as
breakfast, when they aren't sure they can afford it or sustain it. We have been working to identify
different successful school breakfast programs that have overcome significant challenges, such as
the lack of a kitchen, for example, and will be sharing that information to build a network of
internal program technical assistance to support schools that are interested but want to observe
successful strategy, from another school, rather than hear it from us alone.
We always exceed our goals in nutrition education and food safety, because there both seems
to be much interest, and because we choose to interpret this objective to mean providing
information, skills, knowledge and/or tools. While spending time at food shelves talking to
customers, we found that many people fried their food because they simply didn't have other
cooking utensils, or didn't know other ways to prepare foods. In response, we conducted utensil
and cookbook drives, cooking classes, gave out recipes at farmers markets in conjunction with the
WIC Farm to Family coupon program, at Commodities distributions, as part of the Farm Share
community supported agriculture program we developed with the Northeastern Organic Farmers
Association, providing subsidized shares for low income families, and at food shelves.
I also have to confess to educated guessing for some of the original target objective numerical
goals, having written them not too far along into our first year. We started without the benefit of
any base organization, or experience specifically in anti-hunger work, or in service, so our
knowledge base was gathered from limited experience, and scattered pockets of information
12
#15 cont'd
USDA State Progress Report Operating Site ID.# C50A
about poverty, hunger, and community activity. I believe we have learned fast, and have
accomplished much of which we feel proud and that has enabled us to demonstrate measurable
anti-hunger service accomplishment.
16. Community Building Objectives Narrative:
We have found that an important aspect of "fighting hunger" is building organizational and/or
community skills, knowledge, access to resources and capacity to get the most from their
resources, just as we do with those who are customers of services. To that end we have
developed how-to documentation of almost every collaboration we have with community partner
organizations, and give them a copy of that developed manual. We have also found that
organizations need regular, dependable help, so we have been and will increase the level of
training our members get in volunteer recruitment, management, training, and support so as to
provide that kind of in-demand assistance to build organizational capacity to meet needs. We have
gone in to help clean out a community mealsite, and continue to work with the program to
develop a volunteer manual, or an affiliation with a new, area high school community service
initiative.
There continues to be a perception that if there was only enough money, than all needs could
be met. Our approach is to go into a community "in need" and look for its unique resources. In
some communities in which we hadn't served in the first year, we did a community survey that
identified community resources such as local organizations, community traditions, pockets of
people in close proximity [a resource in rural areas], schools, festivals, etc. In Waterbury,
Vermont, where the majority of the State Offices are, the state owns land which has been unused
since it was abandoned from farming. A community garden was started from a collaboration with
the State Division of Lands, the senior center, the area food shelf, local church members, and
community members helping to cultivate and use the produce, a local farmer donated plowing,
area greenhouses donated plants, and students from the area elementary school helped plant the
seedlings. The garden was such a great blend of that community's resources and with AmeriCorps
extra hands, it was successful, yielded much appreciated fresh produce and won an America the
13
#16 cont'd USDA State Progress Report Operating Site ID.# C50A
Beautiful Award.
We have been working to replicate the Northwestern Correctional Facility Garden project in
other facilities, and working with the Department of Corrections, the National Gardening
Association, and area community action agencies to set up a garden and food processing program
with an education component for the inmates, and the opportunity to preserve some of the
produce from the prison gardens for more flexible use which will cut down some of the demands
for immediate transportation at harvest. It would also teach food preservation skills, math, food
safety, and allow the inmates to present their families with food they preserved, allowing them to
make a positive contribution to their family, and take with them new knowledge and skills about
nutrition, food safety, and gardening.
17. AmeriCorps Member Development Objectives:
If our approach in the community is to offer the opportunity to learn skills, knowledge,
information and understandings to allow people to get the most from their resources, than we
have to model that within our organization for the members as customers. Without exception, all
our members characterized their year of service, [we conduct member self-evaluation surveys, and
surveys on the program, the staff, and their projects] as one of tremendous personal growth, skill
building, confidence building, learning and empowerment. One of our members said that he was
prepared to get things done and feel good hopefully, about what he could accomplish, but he
wasn't prepared for the powerful response he felt the day he realized that the residents of a low
income housing complex with whom he was building gardens, welcomed him into their homes as
a friend, one of the "garden boys" [he is 42] not as an outsider. He felt profoundly moved by that
experience. He wasn't doing for, he was joining as an equal partner.
To the members credit, they continually sought out opportunities to push themselves, to learn
new skills, to try activities that had been somewhat intimidating for them such as public speaking,
writing articles and/or speaking to the press, and planning the statewide AmeriCorps conference
with the Vermont Commission on National and Community Service. The VAHC program
provided a variety of trainings, [see attachment 17A] and provided the opportunity for members to
14
#17 cont'd USDA State Progress Report Operating Site ID.# C50A
attend other related trainings and share their learning with their team members. For example one
of our members was accepted into the University of Vermont Extension Master Gardener
program, and did several workshops for members as well as allowed her manual to be duplicated
as a program resource. Another member who was accepted into medical school at the completion
of her service year, worked with the WIC program staff providing nutrition education at WIC
clinics, during her year of service, and was trained to do some of the routine health screening
activities by the nurses.
In our closing member surveys, all members stated that they expected to continue community
service in some form. One responded, "Duh, how could you ask that? How could we not, after
this year!" One of our members, in fact a former correctional inmate and recovering alcoholic,
served a second year and is now running for state office as a representative who has gained a
strong knowledge of community needs, strengths, and the power of service and community
development from his years of service, and has paid for most of the cost of his associate degree at
the Community College of Vermont.
Another of our members, used this year as a transition from work to retirement, and learned
how to bring her skills without asserting them or feeling she had to be "the professional" all the
time. She brought consideration of the issues of aging to her team of members from age 19
through her 64 years, and was involved in several projects benefiting seniors, such as wheelchair
height raised beds for gardeners with limits at several convalescent homes, and a meals to go for
seniors lunch cart, in the city of Burlington.
Still another of our members, a fairly new citizen originally from Russia, took on the task of
better serving the growing multi-cultural immigrant population in the Burlington area, by
translating community resource information into Bosnian, Russian, and arranging for translations
in Vietnamese, so people could better help themselves to take advantage of community resources
such as the buses, language classes, the community gardens, food buying clubs, education, health
resources, etc.
A HAChment # 17A
15
V.A.H.C. MEMBER TRAINING 1995-96
Orientation: Opening remarks - Avram
10-10-95
Service overview
10-10-95
Discussion of Community
10-10-95
Structure of the Vt. Anti-Hunger Corps
10-10-95
Introduce staff, relationship to other offices, job descriptions, expectations, how roles all fit
10-10-95
together
Administrative Packets walk-thru
10-10-95
In-Kind Donation Discussion
10-10-95
Vermont History c/o Michael Sherman at the Vt. Historical Society
10-10-95
General Poverty / Hunger / Food Policy Overview - Linda Lyons & Mary Carlson
10-11-95
Member manual - policies re: professionalism, identity, harassment, etc
10-11-95
Calendar overview - walk thru the year
10-11-95
Informing vs Lobbying - Avram Patt
10-11-95
Honoring Diversity - Carol Frenier
10-11-95
Hardscrabble Kids Video - over interactive TV
10-13-95
Presentation of 5 objective areas
10-13-95
Teleconference at UVM c/o Wisconsin
Ropes Course
Agriculture Focused Training: c/o Joseph Kiefer and Food Works
10-17-95
& Anthony Polina - the Political Landscape
10-17-95
Suzanne Long and Clotilde Hryshko - Growing Locally
10-17-95
Lindsey Kettchel - the Vermont Department of Agriculture
10-17-95
Regional visits to a local CSA Farms, food producers, dairy farms
Regional participation during a community meeting Γe: Arlington CSA's
Local gardening classes: "Your Organic Garden" c/o Merck Forest or UVM's Master
Gardener course
gional visits to UVM Extension offices, Food Works, Rural VT, etc.
arre Farm Show
NOFA Winter Conference at Goddard
2-17-96
PEAS Conference at Plymouth (Farm & Wilderness Camp)
3-9-96
16
School Meals Focused Training: c/o Sue Steinhurst of Vt School Food Service Association
10-24-95
& Melanie Putz of VT Campaign to End Childhood Hunger
10-24-95
Shirley Stewart of Randolph Elementary Schools
10-24-95
Discussion among Members who have children in school systems
10-24-95
Jo Busha of Child Nutrition Programs, Dept. of Education
10-31-95
Regional visit to schools: meals, met w/ cooks & food service coordinators
Fundamentals of Community and Service Project Development c/o Linda Lyons
10-31-95
Food Assistance Programs: c/o Mary Carlson, OEO, Emergency Food Assistance
11-7-95
& Vicky Wheeler of TEFAP
11-7-95
Donna Bister and Mary Woodruff, WIC
11-21-95
Rachel Senechal, Ctrl Vt Council on the Aging on Meals on Wheels, Congregate Meals
11-21-95
Ed Day, Food Bank
11-21-95
Mary Carlson, Farm to Family Program
11-21-95
Regional meeting with Don Carrigan of the USDA Food Stamp program
Regional visits to CAP agency, Council on Aging, VT Food Bank, Area Sr. Ctrs
"
to community kitchens / Food Shelves / Congregate Meal Site
Regional participation in Meals on Wheels delivery
Regional training on "what is the Salvation Army"
Regional training on "what is commodities distribution"
Regional training in WIC Intakes/ Hematocrit
Regional training on Council on Aging Intake Surveys
SHARE Program intro by Peter Kim
11-14-95
Regional Training with Peter Kim
Nutrition Education : c/o Karen DeFuria, Senior Nutrition
11-14-95
& Dale Steen of UVM Extension - food safety
11-14-95
Alison Gardener of Dept. of Health - resources available
11-14-95
Linda Lyons of UVM Extension - EFNEP
11-28-95
Lisa Hodgson of Dept. of Health - Nutrition Education & Training
11-28-95
Donna Bister of WIC
11-28-95
Regional meetings with Head Start, Council on Aging, WIC, CACFP and EFNEP
Regional trainings on Child Development for Early Education Services
Regional training c/o Melanie Putz of VCECH
Regional training c/o Sarah Burczy on Food Labels
Planning Meeting of Farmers' Market Managers
11-4-95
Project Worksheet Day
12-5-95
Conflict Resolution
1-16 & 23-96
HIV /AIDS Awareness c/o Peggy Pearse
1-30-96
Summer Food Service Program Specialized Training @ Berlin
1-31-96
regional training c/o local school meal/summer feeding coordinators
regional visit by Melanie Putz
regional introduction at CAP agency
Defensive Driving Training
2-7-96
Legislative Process at the State House
2-13-96
CPR
Conference c/o VT Commission re: Connecting the Dots: Nat'l, State & Local Perspectives
3-18-96
Public Relations 101
3-18-96
How to Run an Effective Meeting
3-18-96
Computer Training c/o Brian Smith
April, 1996
Career Planning Workshop c/o Vt. Student Assistance Corp (VSAC)
Local College resources: seminar on "Welfare Reform" c/o Castleton College
Meeting with "Nutrition & Sustainable Ag." person from Sterling College
Other local resources: Ann Fiedler of SE Dept. of Corrections re: volunteering w/ corrections
ALANA: Diversity Training
Western Massachusetts Food Bank
Community Service Learning Center: Breaking Barriers & Building Bridges (in Mass.)
Community Prevention Partnership
Sara Holbrook Center - - Family Center Services
NECI: Vermont Fresh Food Network Conference. Essex
2-5-96
18
USDA State Progress Report Operating Site ID.# C50A
18. Unique Successes or Great Stories:
Where to begin. Do I describe the Manchester Community Garden that involved nursery
school children, an area Master Gardener, and the area senior mealsite. The kids learned about
gardening, had a "Rock Out" day joined by area teens to prepare the site for tilling, and planted
seeds with the seniors. They also learned about AmeriCorps and President Clinton, and decided to
name the garden scarecrow Bill Clinton, a photo of which was sent to the Whitehouse.
The projects of which I am the most impressed are the ones that were true partnerships,
accomplishing multiple goals. An example is a new summer food program we helped with in
Milton, Vermont where we and other community members and area teens used their summer
break to learn nutrition, management, and organizational skills and they ran the summer food
program. They were the recreation staff who ran the meal program along with some adult
partners.
Still another project of which I am impressed, is the Northfield Senior Reminiscence Project.
The problem posed to us was dwindling enrollment at the congregate senior meal, and the
concern that there were many seniors who would from the hot meal and companionship, and the
danger that lowering enrollment might cause the site to be eliminated. Our task was to work with
the senior center members and mealsite staff to come up with strategies to boost enrollment. We
considered the seniors themselves a resource that wasn't fully explored. Many seniors had stories
and experiences to share about such things as previous disasters survived, the flood of '27, the
hurricane of '38, past occupations such as blacksmiths, folk remedies, home births, ice harvesting,
the transition from the town general store to the supermarket, growing up on the farm, etc. We
worked with the seniors to develop a list of topics, and we set up a schedule with them which we
publicized. Senior enrollment started to increase with each discussion group. Some came for the
discussion, but began to come early to eat lunch. Our members learned a lot about Vermont
history, and wisdom from experiences of another time.
The Highgate Community Garden Project developed with the residents of that housing
complex was an excellent example of people helping themselves when treated as partners as
opposed to "clients". We did nothing for them, we did all with them and with the support of area
19
# 18 cont'd USDA State Progress Report Operating Site ID.# C50A
businesses, the skeptical approval of the housing management company, and other community
resource people and programs. Everyone from parents to kids were involved, acting like a "real"
community, to their own surprise. It wasn't perfect, there was some vandalism, but the
overwhelming sentiment was that this was too important and as a community they would work to
maintain the success and identify the problems and work on them and not give up, as widely
expected.
Section VI Challenges
19. Difficulties Faced by the Program:
Previous difficulties such as suspicious and/or hesitant community response to our efforts,
have been diminishing as our record of successful collaborations has grown. Most of the
challenges we face are financial, how do we serve a geographically large state area in a cost
effective manner. How do we afford to give our members a stipend they can live on without
putting them into poverty, raise the funds to cover the extra costs of a higher living allowance,
and not be in competition for those dollars with other important community organizations with
whom we serve. Our strategy is to work on developing collaborations, so that when grant funding
is pursued, our partner organizations will write us in for some of the grant funds to support our
part of the collaborative effort as opposed to us competing for the same dollars.
Another challenge we face is managing our huge transportation budget, necessary if we are to
serve the whole state with people living all over. We have developed team planning techniques
that incorporate practices such as carpooling and excessive planning as a group to maximize
transportation resources in an area with minimal public transportation. This past year, each team
was required to monitor their own transportation budgets, and the members participated in
managing those limited resources and integrated it with their project planning. Again, we are
trying to model what we do in the community with what we do in the program.
A third difficulty the program encountered was with the reasonable stability of the program
this year, as compared to last year, the staff had the time to look at their organizational team and
# 19 cont'd USDA State Progress Report Operating Site ID.# C50A
realized that group and that aspect of the program had not been attended to well. After several
retreats, personnel policies were fully improved, and best practices documented and adopted. An
internal staff support/evaluation system was designed and planned with specific tools developed
for this third year.
20. National Identity Activities:
As a corps, with participated in the organization of a statewide AmeriCorps conference in
partnership with our state Commission, and participated in a three day service AmeriCorps
conference, with the New Hampshire AmeriCorps programs. The Southwest team and the
Program Director attended a New York State AmeriCorps conference in Albany, representing
Vermont AmeriCorps. Also, a member of our program developed a state HIV/Aids training for
our members, which we opened to other Vermont AmeriCorps programs to attend.
21. and 22. Organization Changes and Improvements:
The only way we found to cut the ten percent costs from last year, was to cut staff. Most of
our costs are fixed, or necessary for the support of the members such as mileage. Consequently,
we took this challenge as an opportunity to provide new leadership opportunities for returning
members, and to support staff who were ready to move on. We downsized, somewhat painfully,
from 3 administrative staff and 5 staff team leaders, to a Director and Business/Administrative
Manager, and 4 teams with 4 staff Regional Supervisors, and 5 Member Coordinators. We also
went to four regional teams, with a new challenge of combining the southern region into one.
We also contacted Project Starr to get professional assistance in developing tools to capture
our actual impact on hunger, as opposed to the emphasis we currently have on activities realized.
Are we making a difference, how do we find out, and how can that guide our future efforts.
Those are the questions we will be addressing in the next service year with some tools we are
presently developing to capture some of that information.
We also hope to be more active in the community working on food security both within
Vermont, and through the efforts of our new, National Anti-Hunger Consortium.
USDA State Progress Report Operating Site ID.# C50A
23. Primary Training and Technical Assistance Needs
We have been able to find trainers for most of our Member training needs within the resources
in Vermont. The exception, is Conflict Resolution training which is an important need that we
have had to seek at a cost, with the exception of last year when we received subsidized training
through the Corporation Technical Assistance Program from a Mediation Program in
Massachusetts who came up to Vermont for a day and a half, and provided excellent and helpful
training. We continue to have this need and find that in-state resources are available at a
significant cost which we may not be able to afford. We continue to look for ways to meet this
need, as it represents important team and program operating skills for Members.
For the program we have two technical assistance needs; one is for assistance in the
development of tools, a process, and training for that process, in evaluating the impact of our
service on hunger. Our goals have been geared to meeting target goals which represent
accomplishment, but not impact. To this end, we have contacted Project Star, the Corporation
Consultant on evaluation strategies, and they are currently working with us to address these needs
for Program Year 3. Developmentally, this seems like the right time to pursue this analysis, as our
project development process has evolved to a more mature level. We, as a Program need and
want to know if we are making any difference addressing hunger, not just that we did what we
said we'd do.
The other technical assistance need we have is in organizational support. So much of our
energy has gone into the program development and management, that the staff group training,
team building and support needs have been neglected. Not only do we need, I think, technical
assistance in this area, but I believe that we also need the opportunity to have outside facilitation
and training to work with the whole staff group. This group has also undergone several changes in
personnel, as well as some organizational reduction, SO coupled with the stress of building a
program while operating it, there has also been more change than stability as the norm. Our
budget is extremely tight and we have had to use the available funds for project costs which
require payment, such as team office space, while we look for training resources that are in-kind.
Overall, we are pleased with the accomplishment of both building a program, and a productive
community resource that also provides excellent training and experience for its members.
INSIDE
SPRING/SUMMER 1996
UNDER SECRETARY HAAS SPEAKS AT JOHNSON & WALES 2
Johnson & WALES: MAKING BETTER SCHOOL MEALS A REALITY 3
TEAM NUTRITION IN TRUE VERMONT STYLE 4
SHARE OUR STRENGTH TEAMS UP WITH USDA 6
TEAM SPIRIT IN CHARLESTOWN, MA 7
PUBLISHED BY USDA FOOD & CONSUMER SERVICE NORTHEAST REGION PUBLIC AFFAIRS FOR ITS PARTNERS THROUGHOUT NEW ENGLAND AND NEW YORK.
Chef Todd English and Site Manager
Peggy Lynch discuss a special
meal at the Edwards School in
Charlestown, MA. The collaboration
of chefs and school food service
personnel has proven to be extremely
popular in the Northeast.
(Please see pages 6 & 7.)
SCHOOL-WIDE SUPPORT FOR NUTRITION: QUINCY, MA 8
NUTRITION AS A PRIORITY FOR EDUCATION IN SPRINGFIELD, MA 9
EBT STATUS REPORT 10
FOOD STAMP NEWS 11- 13
Secretary Glickman honors top New York City issuers
Supporting welfare program work requirements
Finger and facial imaging comes to Massachusetts
Seniors on food stamps
WIC AND TEAM NUTRITION PURSUE COMMON GOALS 14
NEW HAMPSHIRE WIC PROGRAM HAS HEARTS 15
RESEARCH PROVES WIC WORKS 16
1996 FARM BILL NUTRITION TITLE 17
HAPPY 50TH, SCHOOL LUNCH! 18
FARMERS' MARKETS JOIN THE NUTRITION TEAM AT USDA 19
VICECH DISHES OUT FOOD TO LEARN 20
NEW WIC MATERIALS FOR NATIVE AMERICANS 21
USDA GLEANING UPDATE
VERMONT AMERICORPS 22
SOMEONE NEW IN THE NORTHEAST 24
A message from the Regional Administrator
Vermont Anti-Hunger Corps
Challenges Hunger in Vermont
The Vermont Anti-Hunger Corps
AmeriCorps, President Clinton's national service
Organized in five teams of eight members, Vermont
program passed with bipartisan support by Congress,
AntiHunger Corps partners with communities that
engages 25,000 Americans of diverse backgrounds in
want extra hands and technical assistance. Together
performing service that meets critical community
they create or improve sustainable strategies reducing
needs in return for an award which may be used for
hunger and increasing the availability and use of
college, job training, or to pay back student loans. The
nutritional resources. After evaluating the needs and
majority of AmeriCorps members are working in
resources of a community, members design projects
partnerships with states, local governments and non-
related to school breakfast programs, summer feeding
profit organizations.
programs, sustainable gardens, increased access for
those eligible for food assistance programs or
The Vermont AntiHunger, Nutrition and
specialized projects.
Empowerment AmeriCorps (VAHC) project works with
Vermont communities to ensure that safe, nutritious
In an effort to promote sustainable agriculture, VAHC
food is available to hungry Vermonters on a consistent
aims to develop and improve community gardens and
basis through increasing utilization of existing public
to begin school gardens. To develop and improve
food programs, enhancing community and individual
community resources, VAHC will focus on food shelves,
involvement in
community meal sites, home-delivered meal programs,
reducing hunger
summer food sites and school breakfast programs.
and addressing the
root causes of
While there are too many projects to mention, VAHC
hunger. This
activities include a wide range of permanent resource
program operates as
improvement that will foster community food security
a unique
for years to come, and targeted campaigns that meet
partnership between
specific needs. These activities include:
the U.S. Department
of Agriculture, the
School Breakfast and Summer Food Programs. By
Vermont Office of
supporting the activities of the Vermont
Economic
Campaign to End Childhood Hunger and other
Opportunity,
established organizations, VAHC members have
AmeriCorps and
been instrumental in starting new breakfast
local anti-hunger
programs and launching new summer food sites.
groups.
VAHC activities also encourage participation in
established programs.
This is no small
task, as VAHC
Elementary Nutrition Education Program.
Program Director
Members have put together a food pyramid
Bari Gladstone will
activity that has been implemented in Craftsbury
admit, but through
Elementary in Orleans County. The program
careful evaluation
Living Proof: VAHC members
of existing programs
make a big difference by actively
includes music, trips to the cafeteria and
and needs, activities
supporting community gardening
preparation of healthy snacks.
efforts.
are carefully
High School Hunger Coalitions. VAHC members
designed and
work to link high school students with community
targeted. "One of
programs in need of volunteers. It is also intended
our first activities was to map out social services
to empower students to develop their own projects
in the state," she said. The results showed unlimited
to fight hunger on the local level.
opportunities for the contributions of AmeriCorps
members, particularly in some rural areas where
WIC. VAHC members assisted WIC professionals by
services are few and far between. "Therefore it is
setting up nutritionally sensitive waiting room
important for us to target our efforts. Our
activities, assisting with the Farm to Family
principle objective is to provide sustainable services
program in a four-county region, providing
to communities that are willing to have and support
language assistance for refugees and creating a
us."
post-partum weight-loss/nutrition class.
22
Community gardening. In communities across the
Food Resource List. Encompassing three counties,
state, VAHC members are assisting in the creation
this comprehensive list includes days, hours and
and improvement of community gardens that serve
other information for community meals, food
as centers for community-supported agriculture,
shelves and congregate meal sites.
agricultural arts and therapeutic and educational
farm activities. Many of the projects benefit local
Commodities Distribution Assistance. In
food assistance providers.
preparation for the termination of this program,
VAHC members are working in four counties in
Westminster Center School gardening project.
central Vermont to make the transition away
VAHC members are continuing work on a school
from commodity-based assistance as smooth as
gardening project, focusing on expansion and
possible through fact-finding and referrals.
sustainability by working with teachers on
applying for grants to build a greenhouse;
These outstanding accomplishments - constituting
presenting nutrition education and cooking
only a portion of the activities of the Vermont
workshops for students; and inviting community
AmeriCorps program - place in perspective the
members into the classroom to present an area of
impact such grassroots organizations can have on
expertise as it relates to cooking, nutrition and
the health and well-being of the nation. USDA, in
community service.
fact, is running AmeriCorps teams in 45 states,
composed of approximately 1350 members
Northwest State Correctional Facility Garden. For
addressing issues of public lands and environment
a second year, VAHC members will continue
and rural development as well as hunger. Many of
working with the Northwest State Correctional
the AmeriCorps projects are sponsored by
Facility with a greater focus on long-term
community-based organizations and all projects are
sustainability. Activities include soliciting seeds,
designed to get things done while boosting
seedlings and supplies; networking with a school
community, opportunity and responsibility.
agriculture class to involve students in providing
seedlings; and establishing an on-site well and
irrigation system. Work with the Southeastern
The accomplishments of all AmeriCorps/USDA members
Vermont Correctional Facility Garden will also
during the program's inaugural year are outlined in
continue with an emphasis on finding community
"AmeriCorps/USDA at work." The report details service
partners to sustain distribution.
provided during nearly 2 million hours of service by the
1200 AmeriCorps members sponsored by USDA in anti-
Support to the Chittenden Emergency Foodshelf.
hunger and other projects.
VAHC members provided a variety of services,
including staff support, materials which address
Copies of the report can be obtained by calling (202)
special diets and the translation of brochures for
720-4369, sending an e-mail message to
recipients who read Russian, Serbian and
[email protected], or writing to AmeriCorps, Room 538-
Vietnamese.
A, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C.
20250-1300.
Utensil drive. In several locations, VAHC members
collect pots, pans and kitchen utensils from
restaurants, housing cooperatives and church
congregations for distribution to youth in
transition, needy families and individuals.
Lifeskills for Offenders. VAHC members will
expand last year's nutrition education curriculum
for youthful offenders, and will include a new
gardening component. Also, a new program
focusing on cooking and nutrition curriculum will
be provided to men in a court diversion program in
Brattleboro.
Nutrition Services for Champlain Valley Meals on
Wheels Recipients. Members evaluate
qualifications, nutritional behaviors and associated
Accomplishing so much with so little: Vermont's
needs of elder recipients. Sustainability of the
AntiHunger Corps have devoted many hours to
project is ensured through partnership with the
developing sustainable programs, including USDA food
University of Vermont.
and nutrition assistance programs.
23
03 South Main Street,
111
Waterbury, VT 05671-1801
AMERICORPS
Phone: (800) 360-2577
A
The Vermont Anti-Hunger Corps
(802) 241-2577
Fax:
(802) 241-2593
A project of the Vermont Office of Economic Opportunity
Team USDA
NEWS FROM THE CORPS
Yearbook Edition
1995/96 Program Year
It's hard to believe that the program year is over. It seems like yesterday (well, almost) that we all met at
the orientation at Vermont College. Now, after months of training, service, challenges, and successes,
we are moving on. Actually, only some of us are moving on.
VAHC is fortunate to have as returning members: Bob Nelson, Jules Petot, Sue Ward, Audrey
Whitehill, Ron Hynes, Jack Jessup, Shawn May, and Joyce St. Jean. Of course, Doug Hemmings
will still be with us, but in a new role: Regional Supervisor for the Central Team. Erin Willard may be
leaving VAHC, but she's sticking with national service and joining the South Carolina NCCC team. The
staff will be seeing some changes as well; Gina Purtell, Lisa Guccione and Nina Mandel are leaving,
though each will be continuing in a service-related field.
All of this goes to show that a commitment to service may be one of the most meaningful steps we will
all take in our lives (naturally, those who aren't staying on are sure to be involved in service in one way
or another.)
Because we all want to know what our VAHC buddies will be up to next, this Yearbook Edition asked
all members and staff two simple questions: What are your plans after the program is over? and What
is your favorite memory or accomplishment from this year? We got responses from almost everybody
and you'll find the answers below, in everyone's own words.
Finally, the work we do is only possible with the support of Vermont's many caring communities. We
are all deeply grateful to the community partners, concerned citizens, state and federal agencies, and
private businesses who have enabled us to be successful this year.
Central Team
Lisa Duccione
I will be returning to community service in the capacity of AmeriCorps VISTA Leader with the Community and Economic
Development Office in Burlington. I will be supporting 22 VISTA volunteers in their work with the Burlington. North End
Enterprise Community. I will hopefully be attending graduate school to earn a Ph.D. in African Studies for the fall of 1997.
My favorite accomplishment has been to see a group of 8 strangers turn into a Team who truly care about each other and have
worked to have many successful projects.
Doug Hemmings
Gainful employment! {Doug will be returning as the Central Team's Regional Supervisor}
The look on Bob Nelson's face when he destroyed a fence with the Bobcat Mini Loader at Highgate Apartments while we were
working on the Highgate Backyard Gardening Project in Barre. We replaced the fence.
Julia Petot
My plans are to be acting as a Member Coordinator for the VAHC Central Team. Pending acceptance, I plan to attend Tufts
University in Boston enrolled as a graduate student in the Agriculture, Food and Environment Program.
My greatest pleasure has been in watching the Farm Share Program grow. The interest in ensuring that this program succeeds is
so inspiring.
Bob Nelson
A number of possible career avenues appeal to me: 1) Home Health; 2) Agriculture or animal care; 3) VAHC Member Coordinator
Central Team {Bob will be returning as a Member Coordinator}
Helping 22 low-income folks to grow their own veggies in their backyards.
Frank Huard
To run an election for state representative, Stowe/Morrisville. Return to school to finish associates degree.
My favorite accomplishment is getting the garden project up and running.
Allison Hicks
Continue into University of Vermont for completion of degree.
Was meeting everyone during first training week!
Stevan Ashton
To work as a nurse's assistant.
Working in the Duxbury Garden.
Southwest Team
Nina Mandel
The first stop on my journey towards becoming a rabbi will be a year-long internship at a Jewish spiritual retreat center near
Woodstock. New York. Then it's off to Philadelphia for rabbinical school for the next 6 years!!
The memory I will take with me for a long time is watching Erica and Erin lead a workshop for high school students on hunger and
poverty. They were so inspiring and I knew that if I was only going to have two members. I definitely had the right two.
Erica Lesniak
Up to my neck in fish --- working in Alaska for a few months.
Being welcomed by community members into their schools, gardens. homes, to help work on projects they too felt were important.
Erin Willard
Southbound to Charleston, SC with the NCCC. It will be a big adjustment living with 270 Corpsmembers, compared to this year!
/ cannot choose between the small children, young adults, or seniors we've worked with and learned from this year. They were all
wonderful.
Northeast Kingdom Team
Sandy Kingsley
My plan is to spend a second year as a regional supervisor in the Northeast.
Getting to know -- really well -- a great team of women!
Sue Ward
I've learned so much and done so much and yet really only feel like I'm getting good at this now, so I'm doing a second year!
From teens to tots to seniors - from working with community partners to working with my team (and the whole Vermont team)
From snow several inches deep to too much Burdock. How can I choose one - Thanks everybody for a wonderful year!!
Northeast Kingdom Team, CC
Audrey Whitehill
Year 2 at VAHC. I'm looking forward to another year.
Building the clay oven had many great memories but / guess my most treasured moment was when we found out it actually worked.
/ was really worried when the green wood took so long, but it turned out okay. What a day!
Jessica Janner
I would like to move back to Brattleboro, Vermont, so will be looking for work in that area. I may apply for the AmeriCorps
program, Teach For America, which would begin next summer.
Completing the construction of a puppet stage and using it to both educate (about the Food Guide Pyramid) and at the same time
entertain a group of young people at the Guildhall Elementary School.
Mary Hall
Go back to school full time and finish my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. Then I'm getting married sometime in
June of '97, moving to Rhode Island and then getting my B.A. in Human Services.
There are two things I'm really proud of. One is helping to open a food shelf in St. Johnsbury that was really needed and the other
is being involved with building the Clay Oven with the Central Team and the students from Newport Town School.
outheast Team
Holly Hammond
I'm continuing on as the Regional Supervisor with the Southern Team.
Dancing to the drummers with the children at the Westminster Garden Celebration.
Victor Rubdi
Explore ways to find ways to find a meaningful role in the community and continue to avail myself to all the members of the family.
Mastering bread and roll making at senior center in White River Junction with help of very supportive kitchen staff. And being
asked to bake was fulfilling.
Alexandra Bodkins
Travel, find a new home, play, create, make a little money.
Early education workshops. VLIAC camp - kitchen work, play, singing. Westminster Garden planting, eating, dancing.
Drian Smith
University. Right now things are a bit up in the air, but one plan is to go to India as a visiting professor in the graduate school of business at Goa
Favorite memory was having our team bring a plant to my home when I was convalescing from an operation.
Peggy Pearse
Planting Day at Westminster Center Elementary School with students. teachers, the VAHC Southeast team and other community
members all working (and playing) together to plant the school garden.
Richard Bush
Artistic collaboration with Dhyana, power washing and CCV writing lab attendant.
Curry in the noon day sun.
Dhyana Iris
Art, travel, burning the trash, swinging through the trees, yeeeehaw. and if you know about power washing, please contact me.
Oh, I love that paperwork -- it's replaced the NY Times for me.
Northwest Team
Laurie Larson
To keep working with VAHC for an awesome YEAR 3!!!
The team on a treasure hunt. Visiting the gardens and the direct service greening-up, gleaning. I love to get my hands dirty!
Also.. the day we cleaned the Refugee Resettlement Center Warehouse for MLK Day in an unheated space. P.S.S. The team
jumping rope in the Huntington Center Library.
Johanna Ballinger
I would like to get a job in writing and research. I've applied for an internship at Vox/Vt. Times which would be a great opportunity
for me.
My favorite memory besides all the skills I've learned and the friends I made, is my greatest accomplishment: writing and
researching a mutrition curriculum.
Catherine Elwert
I'm going to travel cross-country with my bosom buddy, Raina. We've been planning this trip since we were 15!
My favorite accomplishment was when I started working in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Clinic. The training was
rough, but it gave me great experience (and the kids were wonderful.)
Ron Hynes
After this year's program I am having a little vacation and then I am coming back again next year for another term of service.
I have many favorite memories from this year. The food shelf playspace is my favorite accomplishment. / think my favorite
memory is all the direct service days / spent working with the other teams on projects, Tune-Up for Green Up Day and my
involvement with NCCC on the Salmon Hole project.
Erica Gibson
I will begin medical school at the University of Vermont on August 19th. It will be quite a career change for me after working in
education and social services for the last six years! I am currently planning on specializing in pediatrics and I am eager to do some
sort of public health or international work!
There are so many! / am very grateful to have served my community, met and made friends with so many great people, but also to
have been so happy and satisfied with my work.
Elizabeth Keough
I'll be homeschooling an 8th grade daughter and completing my "new" 120 year old home renovation and completing my UVM
Certificate in Gerontology.
The entire year will be a favorite memory
Jack Jessup
One more year of service on the NW Team, while I finish taking courses toward my MA in clinical psychology.
Stuffing 40 frozen turkeys into my new Dodge Neon, during the Sara Holbrook Holiday Basket Drive.
Orawn May
Northwest Team, cont.
Either continuing as a member coordinator in Burlington or working with children at risk in Chittenden County, and dance
performances. { Shawn will be returning for the next program year}
The early morning car rides -- cruising down I-89. car full of people inhaling coffee and bread, getting another hour of sleep-
bonding, drooling on Johanna's shoulder as we are crashed in the back seat.
Francheska Chalidze
I am leaving for Alaska. I hope to find there a job in social services and develop in this direction.
My best memories from this year are about the day we did peer evaluations. I got an unexpected note from one of my peers which
was very inspiring (not that / believed it, but anyway.) It raised my self-esteem enormously.
Waterbury Office
Bari Gladstone
Help my daughters pack up and move into college, take a deep breath and begin to do next year's program work.
My favorite memory was standing at the orientation and looking out at all the wonderful, anxious, excited faces of the new team.
Gina Purtell
To take my interest in community development and apply it to the issue of land use particularly in terms of conserving wildlife
habitat within communities. I'll be working with an organization in this field called "Keeping Track" until I land a job doing it.
Tune Up For Green Up Day and the Dog River and in Montpelier. Great day out of the office working side by side with all of you
members for a change!
Diane Girard-DiCarlo
My plan for next year will be to continue as Business Manager, take a vacation with family and try to consolidate the volumes of
paperwork headquarters deals with on a daily basis.
Matching the faces with the many names I had been dealing with for weeks prior to orientation was probably the most exciting time
for me this past year. Meeting and spending time with all the new members at orientation was a thrill since it put closure on the
endless paperwork during recruitment. But more importantly, it gave the '95-'96 corps a living, breathing reality for someone who
spends most of her time behind a desk. Thank you!
Main
i."
1/1,
I'm
THANK'S
Did you know that VAHC Members statewide
Worked in 17 community gardens alongside 1,095 Vermonters?
Served more than 4,100 people at 13 community food shelves?
Joined parents, children and senior citizens to provide nutrition education to 4,518
Vermonters?
Served over 5,700 meals at community meal sites?
Delivered 1,922 Meals-on-Wheels to homebound older adults?
INSIDE
SPRING/SUMMER 1996
UNDER SECRETARY HAAS SPEAKS AT JOHNSON & WALES 2
JOHNSON & WALES: MAKING BETTER SCHOOL MEALS A REALITY 3
TEAM NUTRITION IN TRUE VERMONT STYLE 4
SHARE OUR STRENGTH TEAMS UP WITH USDA 6
TEAM SPIRIT IN CHARLESTOWN, MA 7
PUBLISHED BY USDA Food & CONSUMER SERVICE NORTHEAST REGION PUBLIC AFFAIRS for ITS PARTNERS THROUGHOUT NEW ENGLAND AND NEW York.
Chef Todd English and Site Manager
Peggy Lynch discuss a special
meal at the Edwards School in
Charlestown, MA. The collaboration
of chefs and school food service
personnel has proven to be extremely
popular in the Northeast.
(Please see pages 6 & 7.)
SCHOOL-WIDE SUPPORT FOR NUTRITION: QUINCY, MA 8
NUTRITION AS A PRIORITY FOR EDUCATION IN SPRINGFIELD, MA 9
EBT STATUS REPORT 10
FOOD STAMP NEWS 11 - 13
Secretary Glickman honors top New York City issuers
Supporting welfare program work requirements
Finger and facial imaging comes to Massachusetts
Seniors on food stamps
WIC AND TEAM NUTRITION PURSUE COMMON GOALS 14
NEW HAMPSHIRE WIC PROGRAM HAS HEARTS 15
RESEARCH PROVES WIC WORKS 16
1996 FARM BILL NUTRITION TITLE 17
HAPPY 50TH, SCHOOL LUNCH! 18
FARMERS' MARKETS JOIN THE NUTRITION TEAM AT USDA 19
VICECH DISHES OUT FOOD TO LEARN 20
NEW WIC MATERIALS FOR NATIVE AMERICANS 21
USDA GLEANING UPDATE
VERMONT AMERICORPS 22
SOMEONE NEW IN THE NORTHEAST 24
A message from the Regional Administrator
Vermont Anti-Hunger Corps
Challenges Hunger in Vermont
The Vermont Anti-Hunger Corps
AmeriCorps, President Clinton's national service
Organized in five teams of eight members, Vermont
program passed with bipartisan support by Congress,
AntiHunger Corps partners with communities that
engages 25,000 Americans of diverse backgrounds in
want extra hands and technical assistance. Together
performing service that meets critical community
they create or improve sustainable strategies reducing
needs in return for an award which may be used for
hunger and increasing the availability and use of
college, job training, or to pay back student loans. The
nutritional resources. After evaluating the needs and
majority of AmeriCorps members are working in
resources of a community, members design projects
partnerships with states, local governments and non-
related to school breakfast programs, summer feeding
profit organizations.
programs, sustainable gardens, increased access for
those eligible for food assistance programs or
The Vermont AntiHunger, Nutrition and
specialized projects.
Empowerment AmeriCorps (VAHC) project works with
Vermont communities to ensure that safe, nutritious
In an effort to promote sustainable agriculture, VAHC
food is available to hungry Vermonters on a consistent
aims to develop and improve community gardens and
basis through increasing utilization of existing public
to begin school gardens. To develop and improve
food programs, enhancing community and individual
community resources, VAHC will focus on food shelves,
involvement in
community meal sites, home-delivered meal programs,
reducing hunger
summer food sites and school breakfast programs.
and addressing the
root causes of
While there are too many projects to mention, VAHC
hunger. This
activities include a wide range of permanent resource
program operates as
improvement that will foster community food security
a unique
for years to come, and targeted campaigns that meet
partnership between
specific needs. These activities include:
the U.S. Department
of Agriculture, the
School Breakfast and Summer Food Programs. By
Vermont Office of
supporting the activities of the Vermont
Economic
Campaign to End Childhood Hunger and other
Opportunity,
established organizations, VAHC members have
AmeriCorps and
been instrumental in starting new breakfast
local anti-hunger
programs and launching new summer food sites.
groups.
VAHC activities also encourage participation in
established programs.
This is no small
task, as VAHC
Elementary Nutrition Education Program.
Program Director
Members have put together a food pyramid
Bari Gladstone will
activity that has been implemented in Craftsbury
admit, but through
Elementary in Orleans County. The program
careful evaluation
Living Proof: VAHC members
of existing programs
make a big difference by actively
includes music, trips to the cafeteria and
and needs, activities
supporting community gardening
preparation of healthy snacks.
efforts.
are carefully
High School Hunger Coalitions. VAHC members
designed and
work to link high school students with community
targeted. "One of
programs in need of volunteers. It is also intended
our first activities was to map out social services
to empower students to develop their own projects
in the state," she said. The results showed unlimited
to fight hunger on the local level.
opportunities for the contributions of AmeriCorps
members, particularly in some rural areas where
WIC. VAHC members assisted WIC professionals by
services are few and far between. "Therefore it is
setting up nutritionally sensitive waiting room
important for us to target our efforts. Our
activities, assisting with the Farm to Family
principle objective is to provide sustainable services
program in a four-county region, providing
to communities that are willing to have and support
language assistance for refugees and creating a
us."
post-partum weight-loss/nutrition class.
22
Community gardening. In communities across the
Food Resource List. Encompassing three counties,
state, VAHC members are assisting in the creation
this comprehensive list includes days, hours and
and improvement of community gardens that serve
other information for community meals, food
as centers for community-supported agriculture,
shelves and congregate meal sites.
agricultural arts and therapeutic and educational
farm activities. Many of the projects benefit local
Commodities Distribution Assistance. In
food assistance providers.
preparation for the termination of this program,
VAHC members are working in four counties in
Westminster Center School gardening project.
central Vermont to make the transition away
VAHC members are continuing work on a school
from commodity-based assistance as smooth as
gardening project, focusing on expansion and
possible through fact-finding and referrals.
sustainability by working with teachers on
applying for grants to build a greenhouse;
These outstanding accomplishments - constituting
presenting nutrition education and cooking
only a portion of the activities of the Vermont
workshops for students; and inviting community
AmeriCorps program - place in perspective the
members into the classroom to present an area of
impact such grassroots organizations can have on
expertise as it relates to cooking, nutrition and
the health and well-being of the nation. USDA, in
community service.
fact, is running AmeriCorps teams in 45 states,
composed of approximately 1350 members
Northwest State Correctional Facility Garden. For
addressing issues of public lands and environment
a second year, VAHC members will continue
and rural development as well as hunger. Many of
working with the Northwest State Correctional
the AmeriCorps projects are sponsored by
Facility with a greater focus on long-term
community-based organizations and all projects are
sustainability. Activities include soliciting seeds,
designed to get things done while boosting
seedlings and supplies; networking with a school
community, opportunity and responsibility.
agriculture class to involve students in providing
seedlings; and establishing an on-site well and
irrigation system. Work with the Southeastern
The accomplishments of all AmeriCorps/USDA members
Vermont Correctional Facility Garden will also
during the program's inaugural year are outlined in
continue with an emphasis on finding community
"AmeriCorps/USDA at work." The report details service
partners to sustain distribution.
provided during nearly 2 million hours of service by the
1200 AmeriCorps members sponsored by USDA in anti-
Support to the Chittenden Emergency Foodshelf.
hunger and other projects.
VAHC members provided a variety of services,
including staff support, materials which address
Copies of the report can be obtained by calling (202)
special diets and the translation of brochures for
720-4369, sending an e-mail message to
recipients who read Russian, Serbian and
[email protected], or writing to AmeriCorps, Room 538-
Vietnamese.
A, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C.
20250-1300.
Utensil drive. In several locations, VAHC members
collect pots, pans and kitchen utensils from
restaurants, housing cooperatives and church
congregations for distribution to youth in
transition, needy families and individuals.
Lifeskills for Offenders. VAHC members will
expand last year's nutrition education curriculum
for youthful offenders, and will include a new
gardening component. Also, a new program
focusing on cooking and nutrition curriculum will
be provided to men in a court diversion program in
Brattleboro.
Nutrition Services for Champlain Valley Meals on
Wheels Recipients. Members evaluate
qualifications, nutritional behaviors and associated
Accomplishing so much with so little: Vermont's
needs of elder recipients. Sustainability of the
AntiHunger Corps have devoted many hours to
project is ensured through partnership with the
developing sustainable programs, including USDA food
University of Vermont.
and nutrition assistance programs.
23