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County food-security coalition seeks funding for SNAP navigator, double-up produce and 'food-as-medicine' programs
Summary
A Purdue Extension food-security coordinator briefed the council on rising food insecurity in Kosciusko County and sought Health First funding for local programs including a SNAP navigator, a double-up farmers-market program, food-as-medicine classes and a county protein roundup.
A representative of the Kosciusko County Food Security Coalition told the council the county has seen a rise in food insecurity and asked the county to support a set of locally focused programs funded through Health First and other local grants.
Carolyn Arnett of Purdue Extension, introduced as the food-security coalition coordinator, presented county data showing food insecurity rates rising from about 9 percent in 2021 to 12.9 percent in 2022 and said that rate has likely climbed further with recent inflation. Arnett said the coalition’s mission is to build partnerships to expand access to affordable, nutritious and culturally relevant food across Kosciusko County.
Arnett outlined several program priorities for 2025 and asked for Health First funding (she cited a request of up to $50,000) to support: a SNAP navigator to assist residents in smaller communities with enrollment in SNAP, WIC and other USDA programs; a double-up program to match SNAP/WIC/senior benefit dollars at local farmers markets to boost local farm sales and improve nutrition; a food-as-medicine curriculum (cooking and nutrition classes targeted at people with chronic disease); and a county protein roundup to purchase and distribute locally produced meat to pantries.
Coalition members and the presenter said the proposals would emphasize local sourcing and partnerships with existing pantries, schools, hospitals and LiveWell. Arnett said the coalition intends to pursue additional USDA grant funding later in 2025 to scale the initiatives.
Council members did not vote on funding at the meeting; the presentation was informational and coalition members asked the county to consider support and partnership as grant proposals and local funding requests progress.
