This post is actually a column written by Cassandra Argo, a HarvestCorps member placed at Perry County Department of Job & Family Services.As of April 2011, 10.9 percent of Perry County residents are unemployed and 38.2 percent of Perry County residents are eligible for food assistance through the SNAP program. These numbers and the desire of Perry JFS staff to build a stronger community have led Perry JFS to look outside its traditional SNAP provider role to find ways to deal with the overall issue of hunger. With this growing hunger need, Perry JFS has partnered with the OSU Extension-Perry County Office to expand educational opportunities to ensure that all Perry County residents have access to food throughout the entire month. OSU Extension Family Nutrition Program Assistant, Elaine Lindimore, and Perry County OSU Extension Director, Cindy Shuster, will
be offering various classes around budgeting, nutrition, and healthy eating using SNAP assistance.
Classes are currently scheduled through Sept 19. Below is a list of classes for July:
• July 11: 9 a.m. - Color your plate red and purple with fruits and vegetables.
• July 15: 9 a.m. – Color your plate green and white with fruits and vegetables.
Each class will meet at the Perry JFS office, 212 South Main St., New Lexington and will last approximately one hour. Registration is not required, but is greatly appreciated. Individuals interested in participating in any of these classes can call 740-342- 3551 ext 684 or visit our website (www.perryjfs.org) for more information or to register. Perry JFS is always looking to expand services offered to clients and to the community. If you have ideas or suggestions for educational programming, please email Cassandra at argoc@odjfs.state.oh.us or call her at 740-342-3551 ext 684. Together we can build a stronger community, one family at a time.
