ChesMRC was recently awarded funding totaling $21,440.00 from Talbot Family Network (TFN) for the FY 2017 Healthy Habits Program. The Healthy Habits Program will be implemented in conjunction with the ChesMRC after-school program integrating enrichment lessons focusing on hunger and nutrition for grades 1-5. The program will target Free and Reduced Price Meals Program (FARMs) children with research based nutrition education and after-school meals.

Health Outreach Coordinator Michelle Hammond will be heading the program to assist food insecure families and children in gaining knowledge about nutrition. The goal will be to increase children’s knowledge and exposure to healthy, nutritious foods and engage their families in learning as well.

The program will be delivered in an after-school format by Food Supplement Nutrition Education (FSNE) trained program staff. The program will work to utilize a FSNE approved curriculum such as Growing Healthy Habits, Grow it, Try it, Like it; or Gardening for Nutrition.

ChesMRC is excited to again partner with Talbot Family Network for FY 2017 to focus on bringing healthy habits to the students and families in our programs. Last year’s Youth Obesity Prevention program that was included in the ChesMRC after-school program proved to be a great success and this year will bring even more fun and exciting health programming to our youth.

The ChesMRC after-school program in partnership with Talbot County Public Schools and Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) provides after-school education to about 120 children a year grades 1-5 and is run concurrently with the academic year. The funding provided by TFN will assist with funding enrichment leaders and coordinators, and provide materials to implement and teach the Healthy Habits program.