Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Wayne County health officials pitch grant to bring farmer’s market and nutrition supports to Orrville
Summary
Wayne County Health Department officials presented a Creating Healthy Communities grant proposal to begin in Orrville, outlining Health Improvement Zone strategies, a focus on food access, and partnerships with local schools, hospitals and nonprofits; the council did not take action.
Elesa Eaken, Community Health Promotion coordinator with the Wayne County Health Department, told the Orrville City Council on Oct. 21 that the department would like to begin a Creating Healthy Communities grant in Orrville and later expand to neighboring communities.
Eaken described the project’s aims as addressing Health Improvement Zone (HIZ) concerns and ‘‘food desert’’ conditions—areas of low access and low income for fresh fruits and vegetables. She said the program would pursue a farmer’s market with WIC availability and senior vouchers, and that future SNAP acceptance is a possibility. The department plans to survey residents on preferred days and times for a market and to partner with local organizations, which Eaken listed as Orrville Schools (represented by Dr. Toth), Ohio State University, Wayne Akron University, Aultman Orrville, the YMCA, the Boys & Girls Club and United Way; the mayor of Rittman was also named as an early partner.
Nick Cascarelli, Wayne County Health Commissioner, was introduced during the presentation. Councilmembers did not vote on the grant at the meeting; the presentation served to inform the council and public about the proposal and potential partners.
If the grant proceeds, the health department said it would coordinate surveys and partner outreach before returning with a request for any city actions or approvals that might be needed.
