EDGE is collaborating with community partners to create a sustainable local food system to address health disparities exacerbated by conditions of persistent poverty and events such as COVID-19, which threaten the health and safety of rural community members in West Virginia.
Project activities include utilization of a commercial kitchen, Farmacy program, fresh and prepared food delivery service, and training of 10 food producers as the basis for a local food hub.
1.Working with local health clinics, WIC offices and SNAP benefit offices to determine feasibility of the Farmacy program and help access participants who may be interested in food delivery and Farmacy services. EDGE staff will monitor progress monthly and work with staff from health organizations, keeping track of involvement with each agency and any progress made. EDGE has the goal of creating a relationship with three health agencies in McDowell County by the end of the grant period.
2. Construct pre and post surveys for self-reporting for community members to anonymously self-report their health data, including perceptions on immune health. Grantee will share results of surveys with DHHR.
3. With T&T Organics, recruit and train 10 food producers in McDowell County as a basis for a local food hub.
4. Work with community partners and county commissioners to identify and/or create community kitchen locations for value-added food production support.
5. Work with T&T Organics and other community partners to establish fresh and prepared food delivery business to close pandemic-related slowdowns in grocery delivery and access in McDowell County.
