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Summer Food Service Program
In an effort to spread the word about the Summer Food Service Program meal sites in Broome, Tioga, and Chemung Counties, we collaborated to develop websites that include interactive maps with information on the locations, dates, and days of each meal site. You can use the maps on your computer or mobile phone, and they are continuously updated to reflect any changes in site schedules. We hope this tool will help increase awareness and participation for students who may not know where their next meal is coming from. Check out the sites by clicking on the links below and help spread the word!
Broome County: feedbroome.org
Tioga County: feedtioga.org
Chemung County: feedchemung.org
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July Member Spotlight: Broome-Tioga BOCES Food Service
Tom Lewis, FaHN VISTA, recently visited the Broome-Tioga BOCES Food Service office in Endicott, NY to speak with Ray Denniston, Special Projects Coordinator, and Julie Raway, MPH, RDN, CDN, SNS, and the Rock on Café Registered Dietitian, to learn more about their organization and the many exciting projects they are currently working on.
Why is it im portant for children in schools to have access to healthy meal options?
Julie: We are really trying to be a program of prevention by starting healthy eating habits at a young age. At age five when students typically start school, their taste buds have already been developed. But, it’s still a good age to be introducing healthy foods and encouraging them to eat better, because they are further developing their taste preferences.
Ray: We also feel very strongly about providing nutritious meals to kids as these may be the only nutrients they get on a daily basis, and this not only affects their health and their ability to learn, but also their ability to grow and compete. Looking at the food insecurity situation in our county, we find it important to deal with that as well as provide overall wellness for the child.
Can you explain the BT BOCES Rock on Café program?
Julie: The Rock on Café is a trademarked school nutrition program with a partnership between school food service and the community. We provide students with healthier versions of foods they like, while also being affordable and convenient. The main focus is to try to bring the fun of healthy eating into the cafeteria, and to work towards alleviating hunger. In partnership with United Health Services, we use two cartoon characters named Rex and Roxy to get the kids involved. They visit students at schools during activities such as taste tests or other nutrition promotions. Overall, it’s a program of prevention that works to ensure all students get the food and nutrition they need throughout the school day so they can perform to the best of their abilities.
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Farm to School News
We've been busy over the last month doing taste tests, working on recipe development, connecting with farmers, and attending the Farm to School Institute in Shelburne, Vermont! Stay tuned for upcoming news and an interview in our August newsletter about our trip to Vermont.
Farm to School Webinars:
Trending Topics in Farm to School: Farm to School Partnerships with your School Nutrition Association: July 6, 2-3pm
Join the National Farm to School Network to learn about partnering with your School Nutrition Association to expand your farm to school efforts. This webinar is part of NFSN’s new monthly webinar series, Trending Topics in Farm to School, which will be held the first Thursday of every month from 2-3pm ET. Register here.
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We partnered with BT-BOCES and CCE-Broome to hold a strawberry taste test during a wellness day at Ann G. McGuinness Elementary School on June 14th. 97% of students who participated voted yes!
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Testing out Buddha Bowl recipes for a potential NY Thursday menu item!
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Food & Health Policy
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand stopped by Tioga Elementary School on June 23rd to urge her fellow Senators to reject the Trump Administration's proposal to cut SNAP benefits and funding to critical nutrition and nutrition education programs. To read more about Senator Gillibrand's visit to Tioga County click here.
Food Policy Resources:
Saving Regional Farms: Why Every New Yorker Should Care: Recording
Panel discussion presented by the NYC Food Policy Center at Hunter College. Watch the recording here.
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July 10, 2017
Monday, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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Waste Less Food, Feed More People!
Greenstar Community Projects
Tompkins Public Library, Borg Warner Rm
Learn more.
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July 12, 2017
Wednesday, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
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Cooking with Your Share - Free Cooking Workshop
VINES, United Presbyterian Church, Binghamton, NY. Register here.
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July 27-30, 2017
Thursday - Sunday
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American Community Garden Association's 38th Annual National Conference
ACGA, Capital Community College, Hartford, CT. Register here.
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August 9, 2017
Wednesday, 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
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Farm to Fork, A Taste of Chenango
Chenango County Agricultural Development Council, Chenango County Fairgrounds Norwich, NY. Learn more.
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Closing the Hunger Gap 2017: From Charity to Solidarity
September 11-13, 2017
Hosted by Northwest Harvest & CTHG National Network, Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center, Tacoma Washington. Learn more.
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Chef Ann Foundation
Project Produce: Fruit and Veggie Grants for Schools: Applications ongoing and based on available funding. Learn more here.
Whole Kids Foundation
Multiple Grants: Rolling deadlines. Learn more here.
Community Foundation for South Central New York
Small grants: Application deadline July 15, 2017. Learn more here.
GRO1000
Gardens and Green Spaces Program: Application period August, 2017. Learn more here.
Farm Credit East
Northeast AgEnhancement Grant: Proposal deadlines August 1, 2017. Learn more here.
Ag Industry Enhancement Grant- Southern Tier:
Period 4: July 10, 2017 - September 18, 2017. Learn more here.
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