Extension is expanding its online education and resources to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions.
Rural grocer networks help feed those in isolation
Fourteen-day meal kits are being deployed to community members who need to isolate themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic time of need, thanks to a network involving Kathy Draeger, director of Extension’s Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships.
Draeger lives in rural Clinton (Big Stone County) and conducts research on rural grocery stores and other local foods. “Developing these meal kits involves rural grocery stores as a critical frontline for rural food access,” she says.
Bonnie's Hometown Grocery and Graceville Country Market are the first stores to participate in this project. Mason Brothers Wholesale, of Wadena, is the wholesale grocer that delivers the majority of food on the shelves in both Clinton and Graceville. The Clinton Civic Club and Trinity Lutheran Church contributed funds.
Says Bonnie Carlson about Mason Brothers during this time of national crisis, “I’m impressed with everything we got off the trucks today.”
An Extension health and nutrition program team led by Abby Gold provided guidance on shelf stability, affordability, and nutrition for the kits so they can be replicated elsewhere around the state for approximately $150 per person/kit. (See fact sheet with directions and information.)
The kits include foods for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.