More Friends from the USDA

On March 26th, we had the pleasure of hosting our friend Lisa Pino, Deputy Administrator of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) from the USDA. Lisa has traveled the country to see first hand the successes and challenges of implementing the federal nutrition programs. We are so lucky to have Lisa working to improve access to SNAP for everyone in the country. While in Vermont, Lisa had the chance to enjoy a nutritious (and delicious) lunch at Ferrisburgh School. She then visited with senior advocates working on 3SquaresVT outreach and ended the day talking to staff and children at the King Street Youth Center. The Campaign staff organized these visit with our local partners and it was great to talk policy with Lisa as we drove around Vermont for the day!

We ate lunch with our friends at Ferrisburgh School. Kathy Alexander and her team make the best meals! Today's lunch was corn, bean or (local) beef burritos in whole wheat tortillas, homemade salsa, salad, apples, and milk. Yum!

Lisa Pino, Vicki Smith from King Street Youth Center, and Martha Maksym from the United Way discussed the challenges implementing the At-risk Supper Program. Even though King Street serves many eligible children, the current "area eligibility" threshold prevents them from participating. We are hoping to change this in the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act.

Lisa chats with Teresa Felix, Dietary Manager at the Vermont Achievement Center and President of Vermont's School Nutrition Association