S moke S ignals
AUGUST 15, 2018
9
Program introduced after community conversations
FOOD SHARE RX
continued from front page
learned about the program through
her diabetes education classes at
the Health & Wellness Center.
“I really like having fresh vege-
tables every Wednesday and the
cooking classes are super helpful,
too,” Taylor says. “I also like the
recipe suggestions because it gives
me new ways to prepare things. …
It has really made my husband and
I think about what we are eating.
It is really good for the community
to have out here because it is hard
to get to a grocery store.”
On a recent Wednesday, the pro-
duce distribution included summer
squash, Chioggia beets, sweet corn,
red onions, green cabbage, basil,
broccoli and cucumbers. Also in-
cluded were informational fliers on
the produce and recipe suggestions.
Community member Susan Mills
began accessing the program so she
could help her elderly mother eat
healthier. However, she and her
grandchildren also have benefitted.
“I really enjoy the variety of vege-
tables,” she says. “And I have a file
of new recipes. … I give my grand-
kids smoothies and tell them it is
just like what they have at Dairy
Queen, and they like it.”
The result of this healthier life-
style has been a significant drop
on the scale.
“I have lost 97 pounds in the last
year,” Mills says. “I love to try new
this year and the goal is to
increase participation to
50 in 2019, which is very
attainable given that the
program currently has a
waiting list.
Those who are not referred
by a health care provider
also have the option of pay-
ing for the program and
picking up their vegetables
in Grand Ronde on regu-
lar Wednesday distribution
days.
“I like seeing people’s fa-
cial expressions when they
try new vegetables and like
them,” Stickel says. “We
are helping folks experience
new fruits and vegetables,
and providing access to
Photo by Michelle Alaimo
fresh items.”
Tribal Elder Arnell Houck, left, and Ethel Taylor (Shawnee) load their bags with
Ambrose added that the
vegetables from the Farm Share Rx program at the Grand Ronde Food Bank on
program is helping people
Wednesday, Aug. 8.
conquer their fear of using
raw fruits and vegetables
recipes. Coming here every week is
community conversations, recalls
in cooking. She has seen clients go
the best part of summer.”
Marion-Polk Food Share Director of
from being unsure to enthusiasti-
Farm Share Rx Coordinator Ra-
Community Programs Lexi Stickel.
cally eating produce out of the bag.
chel Peterson says the biggest ben-
“The outcome was that people
“These vegetables come straight
efit she has seen from the program
wanted more access to fresh fruit
from the farm and they are not in a
is changing attitudes among clients
and vegetables,” she says. “We
colorful display at a store,” she says.
about trying new produce.
were trying to come up with ways
“These were in the ground just a few
“They are excited to have new
to bring this to Grand Ronde and
hours ago and are the freshest way
vegetables every week and increase
so we were able to partner with a
we can give them to someone.”
the health of their diets,” she says.
local farm. It is awesome to see the
For more information about Farm
“We’ve gotten a lot of good feed-
community connect to it.”
Share Rx in Grand Ronde, contact
back.”
The program is currently full,
Ambrose at 503-879-3663 or at
The program was introduced
but Health & Wellness will begin
farmbrose@marionpolkfoodshare.
in Grand Ronde after a series of
recruiting new participants in the
org. Information on Osprey Farm
spring. Forty people participated
can be found at ospreyfarm.com.
MARRIAGES IN TRIBAL COURT
Tribal Court is now issuing marriage licenses and is able to
perform marriage ceremonies for a filing fee of $40.
For questions regarding scheduling, contact the Tribal Court
at 503-879-2303.
Need something notarized?
Tribal Court staff is available at no charge for notaries 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday though Friday with the exception of noon to 1 p.m. Please be sure
to bring a photo ID with you. If you have any questions, contact the court
at 503-879-2303.
Youth Archery Range
Aug. 18, 2018
Come test your skills with a
9 a.m. —1 p.m.
bow & arrow at this free event.
Fort Yamhill
All equipment will be provided.
State Heritage Area
ODFW Instructors onsite.
Parent/Guardian required.
Fort Yamhill State Heritage Area
For more information matt.huerter@oregon.gov
Ad created by George Valdez