2017-582-E Finance - OC Partnership for Young Children- Outside Agency Performance Agreement

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DocuSign Envelope ID:E519448F-9F6D-4100-BF62-D7625621FFEB XHIBIT A PROVIDER'S OUTSIDE AGENCY APPLICATION which may be based on stress, food insecurity, caregivers' unfamiliarity with local food culture, poverty and lack of access to familiar food items. According to the U.S. Census, North Carolina has significantly higher food insecurity rates (17.1%) than the national average (14.7%). Over a quarter of minorities, which include refugees and immigrants, are classified as food insecure by the USDA making the work of the TTC Farm crucial. The earlier families can be reached, and these barriers addressed, the more successful and healthier families will be. Childhood obesity and weight continue to be prevalent issues in Orange County, statewide and nationally. According to the 2012 North Carolina Nutrition and Physical Activity Surveillance System (NC-NPASS), Orange County had an overweight/obesity rate of 30.1% for children 2-4 years of age. This puts the county 61st overall in overweight percentage and 47th in obesity out of 100 counties. Research shows that weight gain begins within ten years of immigration. (Obesity Among US Immigrant Subgroups Duration of Residence, Goal, McCarthy, Phillips, Wee, JAMA, 12/15/04-VOI 292, No. 23) Transplanting Traditions Community (TTC) Farm strives to address the needs of the entire family through providing a space to grow healthy, culturally appropriate foods and provide educational workshops on nutrition and healthy eating. Access to culturally appropriate fresh food directly impacts the daily diets and health of those involved with the project. Based on data collected during 2016 year end interviews, refugee farmers with TTC Farm reported they saved an average of $82.00 on groceries per week by growing at the farm. This is also specifically due to families able to grow culturally appropriate and familiar vegetables that are otherwise hard to find in N.C. • Who is your target population of individuals to benefit from this program and how will they be identified and connected with the program? The TTC Farm focuses on serving low-income families in the refugee and immigrant community. The TTC Farm is located outside of Chapel Hill and Carrboro just 4 miles from the largest refugee neighborhood in the county. The location of the farm allows for increased accessibility and regular attendance to programming directly, correlated to the success of the program and significant program growth each year. Beneficiaries are identified through referrals within the refugee community and from refugee support agencies. Data is collected through intake interviews and end of year evaluations with each family. • Describe the credentials of the program manager and other key staff. (Ex. Identify Program Manager and credentials, describe training provided to volunteers, etc.) Since 2010, Kelly Owensby, project director, has provided program development and teaching and organizing in the refugee community and holds a BA in anthropology and environmental studies. Her experience includes hands-on agriculture experience on local farms in sustainable specialty crops. Since 2012, Nicole Accordino, assistant project director, has provided program development expertise and coordinates volunteers, youth programming, and outreach efforts, and she holds a BA in sustainable agriculture. She has extensive experience with garden-based curriculum development. Vera Fabian, agricultural specialist, works with the CSA and mentors beginning farmers. Her experience includes hands-on farming and community garden development and instruction for schools. Maria Hitt, Growing Up Healthy program manager, is a public health educator with extensive experience in developing community gardens, outdoor learning environments, and programs in healthy nutrition, and is currently leading OCPYC's farm to childcare activities. PROGRAM INFORMATION 1/31/2017 3:59:06 PM Page 12 of 1