Prek-12 and Beyond
Project Summary

The Prek-12 and Beyond RCPNC project seeks to improve access to nutrition assistance programs by working with partners to educate community members about nutrition assistance programs available to them. School Breakfast, National School Lunch Program, and Summer Food Service programs are targeted in the project strategies.

Prek-12 and Beyond Center is located at 400 East Craig Street in Tallulah, Louisiana. Prek-12 and Beyond is a resource center that strives to expand high-quality pre-kindergarten-12 and college and career-ready pathways that align to workforce demands. Prek-12 and Beyond also maintains a system of high-quality and accountable educational options for students and families through tutoring and mentoring. The center offers scheduled individual and small group sessions as well as drop-in tutoring.

Prek-12 and Beyond conducted an assessment in Madison Parish of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), the School Breakfast Program (SBP), and National School Lunch Program (NSLP). This assessment was accomplished through online surveys and focus groups that were conducted with citizens of Madison Parish and students from Tallulah Charter School in Tallulah, Louisiana.

The targeted audience are students of Tallulah Charter School. At Tallulah Charter School nearly 450 students in grades kindergarten-8 participate in the free school nutrition program. The information gathered gave further insight on what barriers to address preventing participation in the SBP, NSLP, SFSP, and SNAP.

The following needs/barriers to nutrition assistance participation were found in the assessment:

  • Barriers to physical access/transportation
  • Social stigma
  • Lack of knowledge

The following strategies will be implemented to reduce the barriers found:

  • Reduce barrier to physical access through a car pool program
  • Ease social stigma through a Story Board contest
  • Implement a strong marketing campaign
  • Hold meetings to increase awareness of food programs

With the data set collected, Prek-12 and Beyond will develop a strategic plan using the aforementioned strategies to help the community break the barriers and increase nutrition assistance program participation. Our aspiration is that by integrating outreach activities around marketing, improved food demonstrations, appearance, and acceptability as well as enhanced summer food services operations will improve and encourage participation growth.

Targeted Nutrition Assistance Programs: SBP, NSLP, SFSP, SNAP