2018-418-E Finance - Orange County Partnership for Young Children outside agency agreement

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 1640431D- 872F- 4BC9- ACA1- 2226D9788920 EXHIBIT A: PROVIDER'S OUTSIDE AGENCY APPLICATION developing economic opportunities; education, mentorship, and afterschool programming for youth facing a variety of challenges and programs aimed at improving health and nutrition of needy residents. OCPYC is requesting funding aimed at improving economic stability through our farm incubator, health and nutrition of refugee residents in need, and creating linkages to the broader community. OCPYC has provided and expanded these services since the farm's inception in 2010. Studies of other refugee and immigrant communities in the U.S. have shown high rates of obesity in resettled refugee children 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. Research shows that weight gain begins within ten years of immigration. (Obesity Among US Immigrant Subgroups Duration of Residence, Goal, McCarthy, Phillips, Wee, JAMA, 12115104 -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. f) 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. g) Describe the credentials of the program manager and other key staff. (Ex. Identify Program Manager and credentials, describe training provided to volunteers, etc.) 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. 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 PROGRAM INFORMATION 1122/2018 6:18:22 PM P a g c, 1 3 o f 2 2