Chefs in the City 2016

IMPACT. 1: Strengthens families and communities by providing a safe and nurturing learning laboratory for at risk children and their families. In 2015, we met with over 80 children and families twice monthly. 330 youth in the area surrounding the garden were taught Expanded Food and Nutrition Program lessons through OSU Extension Franklin County. We plan to provide educational opportunities to over 500 children weekly in 2016. -- 2. Preparing Youth for Success by offering a STEM based learning program, and offer several paid positions for community residents, especially teenagers. -- 3. Enhances agriculture and the environment themes through educational opportunities which promote farm to fork activities as well as teaching students to respect the natural flora and fauna which make up this active garden site.OSU PARTNERS: OSU Extension; Family and Consumer Sciences, Expanded Food, Nutrition and Education Program; OSU Wexner Medical Center Department of Nutrition ServicesCOMMUNITY PARTNERS: Columbus City Schools; Franklin County Master Gardeners; Mid-Ohio Food Bank; Fresh Serv Produce Company; Highland Youth Garden; Columbus West Family Health and Wellness Center; Dowd Education Center; Shalom Zone; Franklin Park ConservatoryPRIMARY CONTACT: James Warner (jim.warner@osumc.edu)The Chefs in the City program is located in the Hilltop area on the West side of Columbus. This area of town would be considered a food desert by any measure. The average family income is just over $22,000 and 1/3 of the families in this area live below the poverty line. This program works in conjunction with several community agencies to increase nutrition awareness at several locations and schools in the area. We work closely with the Highland Youth Garden to provide a rich learning environment and opportunity for the students K-7 and their families to have access to fresh produce