In this report...

Community Nutrition Education Advisory Board Minutes for February 13, 2008

Phyllis Herring called the meeting to order.

The board will meet three times this year; February 13, June 4 and October 1.

Phyllis introduced the newest employee with University of Illinois Extension in Macon County, Mindy Peterson, program coordinator, community and economic development. Mindy works with agencies in Macon County and also works with the displaced workers and HCE group in Macon County.

Mindy Peterson explained a program, "Balancing Life" that she will be coordinating at Richland Community College. The program is open to all women who are interested in learning life skills A free lunch will be provided and will be held May 15 at 9:00 a.m. Call 428-9024 for information and to register.

Phyllis explained that the pizza for today's lunch cam from Sam's; the fruit salad is a recipe from the January newsletter; the bread was baked by Marilyn Grayned and the recipes came from the cookbook she developed for her new program, "Show Me the Bread." Phyllis and Marilyn asked two nutrition questions and gave away two cookbooks to the winners, Resa Benz-Spiker and Leslie Dunkak.

Phyllis also reported that Leslie Dunkak from Project Success will be leaving to return to school for a degree in education and will teach at one of the High Schools in Decatur.

Marilyn Grayned, University of Illinois Extension, program assistant, EFNEP, discussed the cookbook she developed. Any agency who wants clients to form a group that would be interested in learning cooking skills, please contact Marilyn at the EFNEP/FNP office at 877-4533.

Charlotte Bond, University of Illinois Extension, program assistant, FNP reported that she is working with Pre-K through 1^st grade and also has one senior site. This month she is presenting healthy food for a healthy heart.

Anita Tyus, University of Illinois Extension, community worker, EFNEP/FNP, reported she is working with women with children, teens, kids and presenting a budgeting class.

Resa Benz-Spiker, OKO, explained they are open to children from kindergarten through 6^th grade from 4:00 until 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. They also have open gym on Saturdays and Mondays from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. Resa also works for SAIL (Soyland Access to Independent Living) and helps those clients going from nursing homes, hospitals, etc. into independent living facilities. Contact Resa at SAIL for more information.

Kate McCray, Decatur YMCA, has after school and kids club.

Robin Murray, Catholic Charities, served 911 from the food pantry and gave 1125 food bags for 925 families. She and Jerry Pelz recently attended an HSAC meeting and the speaker gave advice on ways for food pantries to collect contributions.

Karen Shiflett, WIC, reported that first and foremost they recommend breastfeeding to new mothers. However those that do use formula, beginning February 1they will be changing to Enfamil rather than Similac. The change is being well received. Also they will no longer be able to hand out "sample" formula. The samples were sometimes used to help parents that would run out before the next visit. She suggested an alternative would be for food banks to dispense formula. Jerry Pelz asked if there was any safety factor involved if the food pantries receive and dispense different formula than what the baby is taking. Karen replied they were interchangeable but the mother may notice some GI change and they needed to inform their doctor that had substituted the formula for a brief time. She pointed out the change in formula was not as unhealthy for the baby as it would be if the mother substituted kool-aid or tea to pacify the child until their formula was available. Karen also suggested that the food pantries get in contact with Mead Johnson for Enfamil and Ross for Similac. They will often make donations. If anyone has questions, please contact Karen at the WIC office at 423-6988 ext 1343. Phyllis also added that she will make sure they have safety brochures to pass out to clients.

Rita Allen, Homeward Bound, reported they will be taking applications on the 14^th at 1:30 p.m. and again on February 28 at 10:00 a.m.

Junette Eller, DMCOC, they are taking applications at this time but there is no money available.
DMCOC offers the hardship to clients one time per year.

Andrea Winston-Lewin, Salvation Army, reported that they serviced 934 in January, 492 food baskets were given, 202 assisted with medical needs. They also have budgeting classes available. There is still have hardship residential available. Those that would qualify for this would be anyone who has lost a job, not working because of illness, seniors, etc.

Leighann Michael, Macon County Health Department, reported they serve children birth to five years of age. Car seats are available for $10 for qualifying families. They make them available twice a month on the 1^st and 3^rd Tuesday of each month. For questions, please call 423-6988 ext 1351.

Leslie Dunkak, Project Success, reported three schools were selected to attend the fitness and health fair outing at Fairview Park. Dennis Elementary School will attend April 24 from 9:00 until 3:00. Harris Elementary School will attend May 5 from 8:30 until 1:30. Brush College Elementary School will attend May 20 from 9:00 until 3:00. Volunteers will be needed to help with this event. Call 421-8074. Stick With Your Kids day will be September 20.

Ellen Stogsdill, Baby Talk, reported March 10 they will be hosting a Lullaby concert at the Decatur Public Library. The orchestra will be wearing their pajamas.

Diane Shipley, University of Illinois Child Care Resources, reported they help families find child care. Child care providers can also call if spots are available.

Saundra Golembeck, University of Illinois Extension, Program Assistant FNP/EFNEP, reported she is 85% FNP and delivers newsletters to the food banks. She is also 15% EFNEP and visits the pre-natal clinics at the hospitals.

Karen Halicki, HCE, reported she also works for the Food Share program in Maroa and they serviced 70 families during their Christmas project.

Anita Buckner, Boy's and Girl's Club, reported they have youth and teens on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Their choir visits nursing homes.

Jerry Pelz, Northeast Community Fund, reported that January was their highest month ever serving 1100 food baskets. They are purchasing the building next doors they will have more storage for larger furniture items. They are also going to renovate the service area. The clients will fill their own boxes of food, saving time and allowing for an easier flow. A food selection process will be implemented, hopefully by spring.

The meeting was adjourned.

Community Nutrition Education Advisory Board
October 3, 2007 Minutes
11:30 a.m.

Phyllis Herring welcomed everyone. Lunch was catered by LaGondola.

Phyllis passed around a questionnaire asking for opinions concerning the health needs of Macon County children, adults and seniors. Questions and responses are as follows:

In Macon County, what do you feel are the biggest food security and nutrition problems facing...

Children and Youth?

• children are addicted to junk food, hot sauce and pop
• parents do not prepare food for families, fast food is served
• food stamps are being sold
• pop is placed in baby bottle
• not exercising - children are in front of TV or computers
• children often fend for themselves and they don't know what to eat
• they don't like water
• do not sit down for meal time

In Macon County, what do you feel are the biggest food security and nutrition problems facing... Adults?

• special need diets are expensive
• don't cook anymore - they eat out more
• need medication - less money goes for food
• eat late at night
• buy all their food on the 1^st of the month

In Macon County, what do you feel are the biggest food security and nutrition problems facing... Seniors (ages 65 and older)?

• those on medication sometimes go without food
• have food safety issues
• some do not qualify for assistance
• transportation issues
• tend to buy high fat foods
• poor eating habits
• ability to digest center foods
• living alone
• save food too long out of fear of not having any
• don't like to cook or can't cook

Phyllis thanked everyone for their input. It will be very helpful to EFNEP/FNP.

Agency members present gave their reports as follows:

Kathleen Taylor, Good Samaritan Inn - they are serving between 300 at 400. They will help with specialty cases.

Andrea Lewin, Salvation Army - Serving about 500 families. Offering a budgeting class in conjunction with Anita Tyus, University of Illinois Extension. They are helping with electric bills only to those with a 5-day shut off notice. Also help with rent but the family must submit a written notice. Mt Zion is having a food drive October 19 and 20. They also have medication help available.

Joyce Kellar, Old King's Orchard - They have an after-school program available on Tuesday and Thursday for kindergarten through 6^th grade from 4:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. They serve a meal, have a tutor available and have open gym. At present they have no parish nurse and need one if anyone knows of someone. They have the Cease Fire Program on the agenda for the next city council meeting. They need everyone to write a letter of support for this program.

Viola Thomas, Anna Waters Head Start - nothing to report.

Cozzette Cliff, Anna Waters Head Start- they have 300 families and a wait list. They have a position for a custodian, 40 hours per week, 19 years of age or older. They are offering youth and adults an after school program at some of the schools includes a box meal.

Vivian Goodman. Heritage Behavioral - they have school 5 days a week.

Charlotte Bond, University of Illinois Extension, FNP - She is busy with the schools and daycares.

Saundra Golembeck, University of Illinois extension EFNEP -working on the nutrition needs of the food pantries.

Glenda Adams, New Life Pregnancy Center - they have a "learn as you ear" program and Anita Tyus from University of Illinois Extension teaches nutrition on a rotating basis. New Life Pregnancy Center is expanding and will have more room for classes, etc.

Patty Cerny, Bright Start - Serve birth to 3 year olds. Getting ready to go to the Pumpkin Patch. Blanch Minor from University of Illinois Extension goes to their office on a monthly basis. They have between 75 and 80 families and do home visits.

Cynthia Thomas, Homeward Bound - they are taking no applications. They will be moved into their new office November 1.

Ida Brown, Swartz Properties - one of the major issues they face is that people do not sign in and out. Presents problems at times.

Anita Tyus, University of Illinois Extension, EFNEP/FNP - working in the schools and with agencies. Doing a budging class with Catholic Charities and Salvation Army.

Marilyn Grayned, University of Illinois Extension, EFNEP extra help - has returned to Extension and is starting to work with EFNEP clients on an extra help basis for now.

Resa Benz-Spiker, Soyland Access to Independent Living - works with individuals who have experienced trauma and are now returning to their homes or are seeking living quarters.

The next meeting will be held February 6, 2007.

Community Nutrition Education Advisory Board
June 6, 2007

Phyllis Herring welcomed everyone. Lunch was catered by Kib's. Phyllis walked everyone through the process of finding the Extension website. The minutes of each meeting will now be posted. Phyllis reported the EFNEP/FNP staff is currently working on the summer camp program called SNAP. Anita will give more details.

Agency members present gave their reports as follows:

Vivian Goodman. Heritage Behavioral - They are working on their summer program. Also the Cease Fire Campaign. If anyone wants details, please call 428-6409.

Sheila Grunden, Anna Waters - Sheila had flyers to pass around.

Cozzette Cliff, Anna Waters - They are in the process of recruiting now.

Janette Eller, DMCOC - The emergency assistance program is closed for now but will re-open in September. In housing they have room for 5 more families for 9 days. Letters have been sent out about the weatherization program. Concerning the transportation program, taxi cabs can be used for 90 days.

Serena Porter, University of Illinois Extension, FNP - Serena reported that she will be leaving Extension June 22 to accept a position with the CHIC clinic.

Charlotte Bond, University of Illinois Extension, FNP - Charlotte has been working with her clients on a lunch box project emphasizing on snacks.

Glenda Adams, New Life Pregnancy Center, BEST program - Glenda explained the BEST program. She passed around flyers concerning an upcoming retreat.

Patty Cerny, Bright Start - Patty explained the program and noted there is an Interactive Parents group. She does use the nutrition program provided by EFNEP/FNP.

Blanch Minor, University of Illinois Extension, EFNEP/FNP - Blanch is working at WIC and getting ready for summer camp.

Rita Allen, Homeward Bound - They are having an orientation on August 9.

Leslie Dunkak, Project Success - Stick With Your Kids is an upcoming event. 1230 bags will be made this year. Donations are appreciated. Leslie reported they will once again be making home visits to anyone new. There will free school supplies available again this year to be picked up at 310 W. Williams Street. She reported there was a 24% truancy rate among kindergarten students last year.

Saundra Golembeck, University of Illinois Extension, EFNEP/FNP - Saundra is working at the hospitals and getting ready for camp.

Ellen Skogsdill, Baby Talk - Have grandparents program in September.

Diane Shipley, University of Illinois Child Care Resource Center - There is a conference being held on October 20, 2007. Diane had handouts to pass around.

Anita Tyus, University of Illinois Extension, EFNEP/FNP community worker - Anita talked about the summer SNAP program. The program will take place at the Macon County 4-H building for two weeks. Breakfast will be provided and a box lunch from the park district will be served. Games will be played and prizes given.

The next meeting will be held October 3, 2007.

Community Nutrition Education Advisory Board
February 2007

Phyllis Herring welcomed everyone. She announced that anyone who knows of another agency that would benefit from attending these meetings to please give her their name and phone number so she could invite them to join us. Phyllis then passed out bookmarks concerning "energy smart." Contact Phyllis if you would like more of these bookmarks to pass out to clients. W are out of English nutrition calendars but have a box of Spanish ones left if anyone is interested. Extension is offering a nutrition series telenet for dietitians, teachers or anyone interested in nutrition. The next program will be Thursday, February 13from 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at the Macon County Extension office. It will be a satellite presentation dealing with the food industry and obesity. The cost of the session will be $10 and you may call Phyllis at the Macon County EFNEP/FNP office at 217/877-4533 to register. The next sessions will be as follows:

March 15 - Biofilms: Their Importance to Food Safety (concerns areas such as spinach contamination, etc)

April 19 - Vitamin B₁₂ and Folate: Neurological Disease and Aging

May 17 - The Mediterranean Diet - A Second Look

Phyllis announced that she is on the "Win to Lose" Board the Decatur Herald and Review.

The next Community Nutrition Education Advisory Board meeting will be June 6 and since we are having only 3 meetings a year the final one of 2007 will be held October 3. Reminder notices will be sent out as usual.

Also the minutes will be posted on the University website so everyone will have access at any time. We will send notice concerning how to access the site.

Phyllis showed everyone the "And Justice For All" poster and discussed the signing of the non-discrimination forms.

Agency members present gave their reports as follows:

Leslie Dunkak, Project Success - They received a nice donation from Catholic Charities and were able to provide 9 winter coats to each public school. They also gave hats and gloves to any student needing them. They are working with the school district and have set up sites at 3 locations for parents to go to check out resources to help their child succeed in school. They are located at Bruch College, Stevenson and Oak Grove Elementary Schools. The kits contain games and toys that will be helpful in reading, math, etc. They are available to all children regardless of their academic status. The program has been very successful, in fact 25 parents were present at Stevenson. The sessions take place every Tuesday in March. After-school tutors are also available for any student needing extra help. Kindergarten registration begins again in March for next year's classes. The home visit project was a big success last year and plans to door knock again this summer are underway when they will welcome the students starting school in the fall. They will once again provide free school supplies which will be distributed at the First Presbyterian Church. Supplies for those children attending Hope Academy will be distributed the first day of school.

Glenda Adams, New Life Pregnancy Center - Glenda manages the BEST program which offers life lessons for parents. "CARE" cash is given for attendance to classes which they can then spend in the boutique for an assortment of purchases from furniture, maternity clothes to toys and children's clothing. They refer many of their clients to the agencies in attendance. They are always in need of staff from various agencies to teach the classes they offer. The classes are held on Thursday nights and if anyone would like to volunteer to present a class, please contact Glenda. Class schedules are sent out every two months and if anyone would like to receive these, please let her know.

Ellen Skogsdill, BabyTALK - They are having Kinder Music and starting February 13 for five weeks they will offer sign language classes. Babies can use sign language even before they are able to speak and there is no danger that signing will inhibit their speech development. The sign language will just allow them to communicate earlier. Go to their website for details.

Elizabeth Reed, Dove, Inc. - Elizabeth passed out a flyer offering free tax preparation program. The service is sponsored by the Center for Economic Progress, the Decatur Public Library. Dove, Inc. and Millikin University. It is held at the Decatur Public Library beginning January 27 through April 14 on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The service is also available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. through March 3. They will file your tax electronic and This free, confidential tax preparation is for families with incomes under $40,000 and individuals with incomes under $15,000.

The second flyer she passed around concerned Payday lending. Some of these loan companies charge up to 550% interest. Learn how to create change in your community and let your voice be heard. The sessions will be held Thursday, February 8 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Central Christian Church , 650 West William Street.

The third flyer concerned child car safety seats. There will be a free inspection on Sunday, February 11 at Fire Station # 1 from 11:00 to 3:00 p.m. Call the Macon County Health Department at 425-1500 ext 1313 for more details.

The fourth flyer concerned "Sowing Seeds for Success." The program will be held at Richland Community College on Saturday, March 3 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Elizabeth also shared that Dove has free clothing and new underwear and socks available at Prairie Avenue Christian Church from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. They accept walk-ins. If you have any questions, please call 428-9224 ext 14.

Reverend Smith, Promise Community Center - They are currently serving approximately 40 youth at the center. They have 2 recreation centers, a full gym, a computer center and they have resources to feed the children. They also work with newly released inmates to help them adjust to life and some of them work as a spokes person for teenagers in the community. This center can always use the help of other agencies in Macon County.

Blanch Minor, University of Illinois Extension - Blanch is a program assistant that is currently working with Phoenix, WIC and homemakers.

Anita Tyus, University of Illinois Extension - Anita is beginning plans for SNAP. Training is taking place this month and they will decide what the program will involve. The junior leaders went to Jacksonville a couple of months ago on a study of the underground railroad and would like to incorporate what they learned with SNAP.

Charlotte Bond, University of Illinois Extension - Charlotte has been working with nine elementary schools and one senior citizen site and has been doing after-school programs with the other program assistants.

Saundra Golembeck, University of Illinois Extension - Saundra explained that she has been with extension for 32 years. She works with most of the food pantries in Decatur and also works with pregnant women. She has been going on home visits and working with some groups.

Robin Murray, Catholic Charities - They have an off-site medical assistance program that people who can not afford their maintenance subscriptions or other medications. They work directly with the pharmaceutical companies to provide assistance to anyone who does not have insurance and can not afford to purchase their medication. Catholic Charities also provides food on average to 700 to 800 families each month. They also have a resale shop that donated goods are available very reasonably. On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. they take referrals and provide household goods and clothing to anyone that can not afford to purchase such items. Right now they have an over-abundance of layettes available for families with babies. They take donations Monday through Friday.

Cynthia Thomas, DMCOC & Homeward Bound - On February 8 Homeward Bound will be taking applications. They do this process once a month and the next time they will be available will be March 15. Anyone interested may call 362-7700 for more information.

The phone number for DMCOC is 428-2193. They work in 5 in the morning and 5 in the afternoon and on Fridays they see 10 in the morning and 10 in the afternoon.

The next meeting will be held June 6.