Serving our Local Community

The summer brings for a new opportunity for community bonding, food options and other healthier alternatives. The summer is a time for people to get out and enjoy the weather as well as the company of fellow Eaton County citizens. And the farming season isn’t anything new to the Eaton County population. During this season several different farmers’ markets are open and ready for costumers. Farmers markets help give the community fresh food while keeping the business local. Eaton County United Way (ECUW) is a supporter of the programs Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH.

In the state there are two different established groups who help provide fresh produce and healthier foods to low income families. The two different groups are Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH. The programs are in the form of coupon vouchers that can be applied for online, and then people receive the coupons. The coupons come in a form of $30 in a booklet of fifteen for $2. Coupons can be used June 1 until October 31 during the farming and harvest season. Project FRESH is partners with Michigan State University Extension and other organizations in order to make the project work. The Project FRESH is an educational nutrient plan; the program also offers classes on how to cook healthier and to show the importance of a well-balanced diet.

Each program is different and better fit to the person’s needs. Senior Project FRESH meant for people over the age of 60, low-income and lives in the county. Seniors can apply online for the Project FRESH coupons. The project gives people an option to eat healthy and Michigan-grown food. To recognize the farmers markets or road side that accept the coupon vouchers will have a sign on their stand that states, “Senior Project FRESH Welcome Here.”

The other end of the program is for younger families, WIC Project FRESH. The program qualifies to women and children up to age 5 and currently enrolled in the WIC program. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding are targeted because of the nutritional value on food during that time. The coupons are administered the same way that the Senior FRESH program.

According to the Michigan State Department of Community Health website in 2011 more than 25,000 WIC clients participated in Project FRESH. Michigan has one of the largest Project FRESH programs in the nation and 75 counties are involved in the program. For farmers who are accepting the coupons, they first must be qualified through the Project FRESH program. To be accepted into the program a farmer must be USDA qualified. Farmers more interested in becoming a Project FRESH distributer contact Pam Gove for the 2014 harvest season.

ECUW is excited for the summer season to bring people together to build a stronger community. To learn more about the Project FRESH/Market FRESH programs contact ECUW to receive a brochure explaining the programs and how to apply for the coupon vouchers.

Sarah K. Smith is the Communications Associate for ECUW and a senior Journalism and Mass Communications major at Olivet College.

Students from Olivet College participate in Trivia Night.

Eaton County United Way (ECUW) has spent the month of May campaigning and fundraising for the Community Impact Fund. The Community Impact Fund directly helps local Eaton County nonprofit groups. The money that is donated to the ECUW is then distributed to different groups that the ECUW supports. In 2010-11 ECUW Community Impact Fund contributed over $18,000 to various community support programs. Fundraising for the ECUW way has dwindled but the numbers of people in need has not. It is important not only on a county level but can improve life on a state level.

During the past month two fundraisers have taken place this month; first the Make Change for Change campaign kicked-off on May 18 and runs until June 1. The Make Change for Change campaign encouraged restaurants in the Eaton County area to have costumers donate extra change or add on a dollar to be donated to the Community Impact Fund. The second fundraiser for the ECUW was the Third Annual Trivia Night that took place on May 23.

ECUW would like to spot light two supporting restaurants in Charlotte for participating in the Make Change for Change campaign. First is Fay’s Evelyn Bay Coffee Company. The coffee shop was opened in May 2009 in downtown Charlotte. The second participating restaurant is Reidy’s Pizza which is also located in downtown Charlotte. Each business has contributed to the Make Change for Change fundraiser.

This month the ECUW hosted the Third Annual Trivia Night. Five different teams competed for whitest with six to eight members on a team. Not only did the teams compete for brightest but they also competed for best dressed. Barkers Babes from Eaton Federal went home with best in dress and King of the Nerds from Eaton County RESA came in first. During Trivia Night the ECUW hosted smaller events to raise money such as a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction.

ECUW would like to say thank you to all the groups that participated!