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This work in approximately five words: Connecting families through community-based outreach

The REPLENISH School Nutrition Outreach Initiative is supported by OFSA's Building Expanded Access to Nutritious School Meals (BEANS) grant program. REPLENISH, Middlesex County's county-operated food bank,  pantry partners and coalitions across the county, SNAP navigator organizations, county agencies, , and local schools, is strengthening access to school meals and other nutrition resources for underserved families in Middlesex County schools.

The project will strengthen coordination among schools, food pantries, SNAP navigators, county agencies, and community partners to increase awareness of available nutrition programs and reduce barriers to participation. REPLENISH will host family-centered community outreach events that bring multiple resources together in trusted school and community settings. Events will offer SNAP navigation assistance, school meal application support, information about local pantry resources, nutrition education, family activities, and community meals, providing families with multiple opportunities to connect with resources in one setting.

The project will also engage participating families through focus groups to better understand barriers to accessing school meals and SNAP. Feedback from families will help partners identify opportunities to strengthen outreach approaches, improve resource navigation, and ensure community engagement reflects the experiences and needs of families being served.

By coordinating school-based outreach with food assistance providers, SNAP navigators, county agencies,  and community partners, REPLENISH will create stronger pathways between families and available nutrition resources. The initiative will build on existing community relationships. REPLENISH will leverage our deep relationships to facilitate conversations with School Superintendents and Business Administrators to educate them on the benefits of participating in the Community Eligibility Program and Child and Adult Care Food Program.  These discussions will be driven by compelling school meal data facilitated by a Middlesex County Data Analyst. 

Through coordinated outreach, direct enrollment assistance, and family-informed engagement, the project will help reduce barriers to school meals and SNAP participation and strengthen connections among schools and community-based food resources.  This project supports the New Jersey Food Security Strategic Plan through 3.1 Tailored Education, Outreach, and Awareness Efforts and Strategy 3.3 Bi-directional Community Engagement.