Jolie Galardi, a nutrition advocate in Fremont County, presented her initiatives aimed at improving food security and nutrition education during a recent government meeting. Galardi, who has been active in the community for over a year, highlighted her work with various partners, including local food banks, health centers, and gardening clubs, to address the pressing issue of food insecurity affecting approximately 5,670 residents in the area.

Since 2004, Galardi has successfully graduated 185 kindergartners and 19 adults from her nutrition classes, which focus on practical cooking skills and food resource management. She emphasized the importance of these classes, noting that participants have reported significant savings on their grocery bills, which can be redirected to other essential needs.

Galardi's efforts include organizing produce donations, with over 2,300 pounds collected last year from local growers. She distributes this fresh produce to food banks and senior centers, accompanied by recipe cards to educate recipients on how to prepare the food. Additionally, she has secured grants to provide participants with Instant Pots, further enhancing their cooking capabilities.

In her outreach, Galardi has created a pamphlet detailing food resources in Fremont County, aiming to connect those in need with available assistance. She shared a poignant story of a man who walked 16 miles to access food, underscoring the critical need for accessible food resources in the community.

Looking ahead, Galardi plans to conduct cooking demonstrations to teach residents how to prepare lentils, a food item that has been challenging for local food banks to distribute. Her commitment to fostering a healthier community through education and resource management continues to gain traction, as she invites community members to participate in her classes and initiatives.