Wednesday Sep 16, 2009
Chickasaw Nation Nutrition Center a Model for the Country
Located in Purcell, Oklahoma the Chickasaw Nation Nutrition Center is serves approximately 4,680 tribal participants monthly. The Center administers many programs within the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service including, the WIC Program, SNAP Ed, and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
However the Center and its staff have created a model for nutrition programs. The Chickasaw Nation made it a priority to implement their vision of serve its members with the utmost dignity and respect and set up a "food distribution program store." In the past, all food distribution participants received their monthly packages from either a tailgate site or over-the-counter at the tribal headquarters. The staff and leadership decided to take the program in a different direction with the store concept.
The store concept was a great success and the tribe now has several concept stores that service the Chickasaw nation and the 7,963 square miles the nation encompasses. Like more common grocery stores, participants can browse the aisles and the freezer section for their goods. Unlike a traditional store, participants have access to nutritional information and have access to a registered and licensed dietitian. Additionally, the setup at the Centers coordinates efforts amongst the various programs and initiatives thus providing maximum "bang for the buck" in the delivery of services.
It was an honor to tour the Chickasaw Nation's Nutrition Center. It is a model for the rest of the country.
Permalink | Posted at: 09:16AM Sep 16, 2009 by USDAblogger in General | Add Your Comment Here [0]
Tuesday Sep 01, 2009
Building a Green 21st Century Economy in Ohio
The Colls started Coll Materials LLC, a post-industrial and post consumer plastic recycling company, in the basement of their home. In April, the Colls received a Business & Industry loan guarantee, a program administered by the USDA’s Rural Development agency, in the amount of $618,660 to purchase additional equipment for their facility.
With the loan in hand, Coll Materials LLC was able to expand their operations and purchase top of the line recycling equipment to process the plastic scrap for re-use or re-sale. Coll Materials LLC now employees 37 employees in Zanesville and is looking forward to continued growth.
The Coll's experience is just one example of the ability of Rural America to create economic opportunities by transitioning to the green collar jobs that are going to be so important in the 21st century economy.
Permalink | Posted at: 10:13AM Sep 01, 2009 by USDAblogger in General | Add Your Comment Here [1]
Monday Aug 31, 2009
Mark Twain National Forest Receives Recovery Funds for Roads and Recreation Sites
Eight Missouri construction companies were awarded bids March 23, 2009 totalling $1,535,000 to provide gravel to Forest Service roads damaged by extreme weather over the last few years.
Jack Willman, Shell Knob, who was awarded a $344,000 aggregate contract, said the contract will keep his family-owned business open.
"This has been a blessing for us," Willman said. "This will put me back to work and another gentleman."
Joyce Gabel, Willow Springs, said their $75,000 aggregate contract will help them add two new trucks and hire a couple more people full-time.
Four other Missouri companies will get $169,000 to blade damaged forest roads. Another $493,903 will provide installation of 25 low-maintenance toilet buildings at Forest Service campgrounds in 11 counties. New picnic tables, lamp posts and fire rings totaling $165,000 will also be installed in forest campgrounds, while another $25,000 will provide new signs.
"This will maintain jobs," according to KD Crushing, Mineral Point, who was awarded a $285,000 contract for gravel. "Right now a lot of little businesses are closed or closing. This will help keep our doors open."
"We're looking forward to working with these contractors to maintain and improve our forest roads and recreation facilities," said Mark Twain Forest Supervisor David Whittekiend.
By Charlotte Wiggins
Permalink | Posted at: 08:50AM Aug 31, 2009 by USDAblogger in General | Add Your Comment Here [0]
Thursday Aug 20, 2009
August 19 was another successful stop on the Rural Tour with a great forum session at the Iowa State Fair. We were fortunate enough to meet the Dirkx family of Auburn, Iowa and hear their story.
Dan Dirkx introduced his family by saying, "Mr. Secretary, I would like to introduce you to the future of America, these are my children and I hope that one day they will take over our farm and continue to work the land. I want to thank the USDA for everything they have done to help us. I want to put a face on the USDA programs and show you how important they are, we are real people not just names on paper."
The Dirkx family are 5th generation farmers and have all too familiar with tough times. Dan's grandfather lost his farm during the Great Depression but the families determination to ciltivate the land carried on. Dan and Nora currently operate 307 acres and are in their second year of the Beginning Farmer Program, a program of the Farm Service Agency.
The Dirkx family came to the Rural Tour to thank Secretary Vilsack for the resources made availble to them through the USDA and its agencies. They explained that they built their farm with the financial assistance of direct operating loans and the assistance of the local FSA offices. Every step of the way, their local FSA office has been there to guide them. Dan was particularly glad that the FSA office was there to review his books twice a year and make sure that his farm was financially sound.
Dan and Nora made clear that they wanted their family farm to continue for generations and so they made every effort to connect their children to the land - from picking up rocks to squishing aphids.
"My children will join the military and serve their country, they will travel the world, but will always remember that they are from the land."
Dan Dirkx introduced his family by saying, "Mr. Secretary, I would like to introduce you to the future of America, these are my children and I hope that one day they will take over our farm and continue to work the land. I want to thank the USDA for everything they have done to help us. I want to put a face on the USDA programs and show you how important they are, we are real people not just names on paper."
The Dirkx family are 5th generation farmers and have all too familiar with tough times. Dan's grandfather lost his farm during the Great Depression but the families determination to ciltivate the land carried on. Dan and Nora currently operate 307 acres and are in their second year of the Beginning Farmer Program, a program of the Farm Service Agency.
The Dirkx family came to the Rural Tour to thank Secretary Vilsack for the resources made availble to them through the USDA and its agencies. They explained that they built their farm with the financial assistance of direct operating loans and the assistance of the local FSA offices. Every step of the way, their local FSA office has been there to guide them. Dan was particularly glad that the FSA office was there to review his books twice a year and make sure that his farm was financially sound.
Dan and Nora made clear that they wanted their family farm to continue for generations and so they made every effort to connect their children to the land - from picking up rocks to squishing aphids.
"My children will join the military and serve their country, they will travel the world, but will always remember that they are from the land."
Permalink | Posted at: 12:45PM Aug 20, 2009 by USDAblogger in General | Add Your Comment Here [0]
