2018 Accomplishments
January 2018: Families participated in free swimming classes hosted by Casa de la Cultura, Winter hikes organized by Community Wellness Connections, and a holiday potluck dinner.
February 2018: From November 2017 through February 2018, 100 families and 61 seniors received vouchers to spend at Kennie’s market in Gettysburg, Biglerville, and Littlestown. Each family/senior received $45 per month for 4 months to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. Several participants also attended the Food Policy Council’s Open Forum in November 2017, voicing their opinions on how to energize the movement for greater access to healthy food in Adams County. In a general survey conducted by Healthy Options leaders and volunteers, program participants reported that their family was able to eat healthier, they were able to purchase a greater variety of fruits and veggies, and that they were encouraged to try a type of fruit or veggie that they had never had before. Many also reported that because of the program they cook differently and feel empowered to grow their own food. In the words of one participant, “I hope the program continues for many years to come!”
February 2018: The Gleaning Project hosted their first ever “Gleaning Gardener Gathering”. 35 backyard gardeners, aspiring gardeners, business owners, nutritionists, church leaders, and volunteers gathered at South Central Community Action Programs Inc. to discuss how they could support each other and The Gleaning Project's mission to reduce food insecurity throughout the 2017 growing season. The idea for this gathering was born at the Adams County Food Policy Council's Food Access Open Forum in November of 2017. Several community gardeners had expressed a desire to get together before the growing season to brainstorm tangible ways they could help feed their neighbors. The Gleaning Project heard this call to action and created an opportunity to connect our community.
April 2018: The Gleaning Project raised nearly $7,000 at their 5th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser at Gettysburg College’s Plank Gymnasium. Over 400 community members gathered to support this community initiative, enjoying a variety of locally made soups donated by local restaurants in beautiful ceramic bowls made with love by local artists. Attendees were encouraged to bring their “empty bowls” home with them to remember those whose bowls remain empty in our community.
April, 2018. Children’s Health & Nutrition Task Force members presented information on eating healthier when eating fast food to members of the Circles groups at South Central Community Action Programs. Circles assist families in moving from poverty to self-sufficiency. The Presentation consisted of materials showing healthier choices from various fast food restaurants as well as information from the “You’re the Mom” campaign developed at Tufts University to help empower low-income mothers to make healthier choices for their kids when eating out.
May 2018: WellSpan Community Health and Wellness invites WellSpan Medical Group adult primary care practices to participate in the 2018 Market Bucks program. Participation requires a staff member to assume the role of Market Bucks Coach – meeting on a monthly basis with a minimum of 5 – 10 participants who meet the program criteria, and providing on-site coordination. WellSpan Health coaches have typically served as the Market Bucks Coach. However, practices have the flexibility to recruit other staff members to assume this responsibility, including nurses; physicians; or other specialists embedded at the practice (dietitians or behavioral health specialists). Participants may NOT be charged for the monthly appointments, as Market Bucks is a community benefit program
May 2018: 2018: The Gettysburg Hospital, WellSpan Health Rehabilitation Hospital and the York Hospital are all purchasing produce through the South Central PA Harvest Hub. A presentation was made at the Regional Meeting for local food service directors for school districts. The South Central PA Harvest Hub and members of the committee encouraged more directors to utilize the Harvest Hub.
June, 2018: Children’s Health & Nutrition Task Force members handed out “You’re the Mom” materials to families with children at the special Market Day at Misty Ridge housing development.
August 2018: The Gleaning Project raised just over $5,000 through their 2nd annual Glean-A-Mania fundraiser. Community members pledged 1 penny per pound of produce that volunteers gleaned during the week of August 11-17. The Adams County branch of The Gleaning Project harvested over 9,000 lbs in only one week, and distributed that produce to 24 community partners.
September, 2018: Children’s Health & Nutrition Task Force members assisted the Physical Fitness Task Force with a special Children’s Walk at the Eisenhower Farm. They developed a scavenger hunt for children to use when walking the farm and handed out healthy snacks.
September 2018: Adams County Farmers Market Association was was awarded a USDA-Rural Business Development Grant for capacity building and in-creased management support for the growing out-reach and wellness initiatives.
October 2018: ACFPC launches new website.
October, 2018: Children’s Health & Nutrition Task Force members participated in a vegetable taste test with local chef Subarna Sijapati at St. Francis school’s annual Health Day.
November, 2018: The Children’s Health & Nutrition Task Force completed its update of its Healthy Dining Guide, listing restaurants in Adams County and nearby Hanover who met the task force’s nutrition criteria. Restaurants had to meet 70% of the criteria set by the Task Force (higher than the 60% goal in 2016) to qualify for listing. Based on a review of information returned to the task force, 13 restaurants qualified to be listed in the brochure. Task force members are also adapting the Healthy Dining Guide so that it can be published in the 2019 edition of the Adams County Local Foods Resource Guide.