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This work in approximately five words: Connecting families to food resources

The Kids Meals Connection Project is supported by OFSA's Building Expanded Access to Nutritious School Meals (BEANS) grant program. Calvary Baptist Community Center, with schools, nonpublic schools, childcare providers, faith-based organizations, healthcare providers, libraries, and community-based organizations, is expanding access to nutritious meals and strengthening connections to food assistance resources for children and families throughout Passaic County.

The project will integrate nutrition outreach into Calvary Baptist Community Center's existing family engagement, youth development, workforce development, and community outreach programs. Through these trusted community settings, the project will connect families with school meal programs, Summer EBT, SNAP, WIC, local food pantries, and other food resources. Families will receive culturally responsive education, personalized referrals, and practical information to help them navigate available programs and reduce barriers to accessing assistance.

The project emphasizes relationship-building and family empowerment by meeting families where they are and engaging trusted community partners. Partnerships across schools, childcare, healthcare, faith communities, libraries, and community-based organizations will help expand the reach of nutrition outreach and create stronger connections between families and available resources. By incorporating food resource navigation into existing community-based programming, Kids Meals Connection will help families identify and access resources that support consistent food access.

Through these coordinated outreach and referral efforts, the project will increase awareness of nutrition assistance programs, strengthen community partnerships, and improve access to nutritious food for children and families experiencing food insecurity in Passaic County. This project supports the New Jersey Food Security Strategic Plan through Strategy 3.1 Tailored Education, Outreach, and Awareness Efforts and 3.4 Screening and Referrals