CSX and The Conservation Fund Improve Access to Healthy Food
for Youth in West Virginia
Voucher program provides access to fresh fruits and
vegetables for 5,000 children and families in five counties
ARLINGTON, Va. (Sept. 3, 2014) - In West Virginia, one in
five children does not have reliable access to sufficient food - especially
healthy food - due to limited financial resources, lack of transportation and
other factors. But CSX and The Conservation Fund are working to improve food
security in these at-risk communities through a program that provides increased
access and funding for healthy foods for hundreds of children and families
living below the poverty line in five of the state's lowest income counties:
Calhoun, McDowell, Mingo, Roane and Wirt.
CSX, a leading provider of rail-based transportation
services, and The Conservation Fund, a national nonprofit dedicated to finding
conservation solutions that balance environmental and economic needs, teamed up
to provide fresh food vouchers to children that can be redeemed at local
farmers markets for fresh fruits and vegetables.
"Food security is one of the most pressing issues
facing our children, and one that directly impacts their overall health and
well-being," said Kris Hoellen, Vice President of Sustainable Programs for
The Conservation Fund. "Access to fresh produce with an opportunity to
teach children how food goes from the farm to the table gives these children -
and their families - the opportunity for a long-term healthy lifestyle. We
applaud CSX for investing in the future of West Virginia ."
"West
Virginia is an integral part of both the history and
future of CSX, and CSX is committed to investing in its neighbors here by
delivering information and access to healthy food and nutrition," said
Tori Kaplan, Assistant Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, CSX.
"This partnership with The Conservation Fund supports our mission to help West Virginia
communities live greener, healthier and safer lives."
On August 21, West Virginia Department of Agriculture
Communications Director Buddy Davidson visited the Falls
River Elementary
School mobile farmers market in McDowell County
"Food security is a critical issue for many West Virginians , and the West Virginia Department of
Agriculture is pleased to be working with CSX and the Conservation Fund to help
our citizens eat fresh, healthy, locally grown produce," said West
Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Walt Helmick. "This is a benefit not
just to the participants, but also to our farmers. We have a huge economic
opportunity to grow our state's economy from within by producing more of what
we consume."
Throughout the five counties, the vouchers are being
distributed by libraries, elementary schools and summer programs like Energy
Express, an award-winning summer reading and nutrition program for children
living in West Virginia 's
rural and low-income communities. Families in Mingo County McDowell
County
The following farmers markets are already participating in
the voucher program:
- Amma Farmers Market
- Spencer Farmers Market
- Calhoun
County
- Grantsville Farmers Market
- Elizabeth
Farmers Market
- Williamson Farmers Market
- and 4 elementary schools in McDowell County
Through additional funding from the program, these farmers
markets will team up with the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(SNAP) to provide cooking demonstrations and distribute recipes and information
on cooking, storing and preparing fresh, seasonal food. This will provide
opportunities for kids to sample and become familiar with new foods, so that
they can incorporate them into their eating habits and their parents can learn
how to prepare and cook healthy food.
Eva Musick with Mingo Diabetes noted: "A child said to
me once, 'I've never tried a strawberry.' We're hoping to give children here
more fun and engaging opportunities to taste a variety of healthy, fresh food
with help from CSX and The Conservation Fund."
This program is part of a broader effort between CSX and The
Conservation Fund to improve Americans' access to fresh, healthy food. More
than 23 million Americans across the country have limited or no access to fresh
produce, dairy, meats and seafood. One of the contributors to these so-called
"food deserts" is the lack of infrastructure to distribute fresh food
to markets. Last month, CSX and The Conservation Fund launched a grant program
that helps food distributors enhance their delivery capabilities to farmers
markets and communities in need. More information and the grant application is
available at http://www.conservationfund.org/partner-with-us/corporate-partners/profiles/csx/.
With offices in Shepherdstown, The Conservation Fund has
become a leader in natural resource protection in West Virginia . The Fund has protected more
than 36,400 acres across the state, and its sustainable programs have improved
local economies and impacted the lives of thousands of West
Virginians , from children to small-business owners. To learn more
about The Conservation Fund's efforts in West
Virginia , visit www.conservationfund.org.
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A video on the program can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylHWcX70hWY&feature=youtu.be
About CSX
CSX, based in Jacksonville ,
Florida United States , where nearly
two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 240
short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major
population centers and small farming towns alike.
CSX is committed to helping communities it serves live
healthier, greener, safer lives. The company recognizes the importance for
these communities to gain regular access to locally grown, nutrient-rich, fresh
food. That's why CSX is supporting these grants to enable farmers, churches,
towns, cities, neighborhoods, and community groups to transport fresh food to
people who need it, as part of a healthier lifestyle.
About The Conservation Fund
At The Conservation Fund, we combine a passion for
conservation with an entrepreneurial spirit to protect America 's most
important lands and waterways for future generations. A hallmark of our work is
our deep, unwavering understanding that for conservation solutions to last,
they need to make economic sense. We strive to implement strategies that
support sustainable economic development, spark cutting-edge conservation and
bridge connections between people and the land. Top-ranked, we're advancing
vibrant, healthy communities.
Contacts:
Melanie Cost, CSX Corporate Communications,
904-359-1702,
melanie_cost@csx.com
Ann Simonelli, The Conservation Fund,
703-908-5809,
asimonelli@conservationfund.org