Food insecurity non-profit launches
Also, Ivy Tech Kokomo welcomes students, employers to MFG Day
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A new non-profit organization, the Howard County Food Access Alliance, is making strides towards increasing access to nutritious foods for Howard County residents, assisting in SNAP enrollment for eligible households, and supporting the county’s food pantries as they work to provide their clients with healthy and sustainable meal options.
For several years, there had been a buzz in the community regarding the pervasive problem of food insecurity throughout Howard County. In the summer of 2022, a group of local leaders in Howard County, led by former County Commissioner Paul Wyman, hired a consulting firm to perform an analysis of food insecurity and its impact on Howard County residents to better understand the breadth of the issue and offer feedback for solutions.
Since the analysis was completed, a cross section of community members from the private sector, government and nonprofits have come together and dedicated themselves to working toward positive changes to the landscape of food access. These community members have been meeting frequently to finalize the strategic plan to put the framework together to start this new organization.
“I saw an opportunity for our community to come together to support one another,” said Wyman. “It was clear with the closing of several grocery stores, the number of missed meals by families and hearing the stories of those who have faced food insecurity within the county we needed a comprehensive approach to the issue. Having the support of so many people and organizations in the community unified behind this issue, I knew that we could make a real difference.”
Since these meetings began, the group has created a comprehensive list of food pantries throughout Howard County which is now being updated monthly and widely shared by local non-profit and public organizations, they’ve met with all of the grocery stores in the area to explore new ways to connect people with the food resources that they need, established a robust set of goals to reduce food insecurity and, as recommended by the consultant’s analysis, they hired someone to oversee the coordination of all of these efforts.
According to Wyman, “Having someone whose full-time job is dedicated to achieving the goals set out for us in our community is going to ensure that we are always making progress and positively impacting lives. Hiring a director was one of the first steps to creating meaningful change, and we’re excited to have her on board.”
Allison Norman, who recently graduated from Ball State University with a Master of Public Administration and has experience working on food access issues in Muncie, Ind., was hired as the Director of Food Access Initiatives and will be the Executive Director of the Howard County Food Access Alliance.
“I’m excited to hit the ground running,” Norman said. “I have received such overwhelming support from the community and the committee of people already working on these projects. I’m grateful to be working with such a dedicated group, and I look forward to the opportunity to help reduce food insecurity within the community.”
The Food Access Alliance is currently operating out of Family Services Association building, 618 S. Main St. For additional information contact Wyman at 765-419-1021 or Norman at 317-797-9695.
Ivy Tech Kokomo welcomes students, employers to MFG Day
Ivy Tech Community College’s Kokomo Campus is offering area high school students a chance to check out the College’s wide range of technology and advanced manufacturing programs as part of the national celebration of MFG Day (Manufacturing Day). Tours are being scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6.
“The open house will focus on real-world opportunities afforded by advanced manufacturing and technical education, opportunities exemplified by the $2.2 billion StarPlus Energy plant being built just north of the campus,” said Nicholas Capozzoli, Ed.D., executive director of Operations, Apprenticeships & Special Projects for Ivy Tech’s Kokomo Service Area.
The tours will be followed by an information fair featuring area employers ready to discuss their companies, the kinds of jobs they offer, and the skills students need to be successful.
High schools wishing to participate should contact Mary Craig, executive director of K-14 initiatives at Ivy Tech Kokomo, at (765) 252-5595 or by email at mcraig@ivytech.edu . Employers wishing to participate should contact Capozzoli at (765) 252-5528 or by email at ncapozzoli@ivytech.edu . Reservations must be made by Sept. 27.
“With StarPlus, and a variety of new suppliers coming to town, this MFG Day event is a good opportunity for students to get in on the ground level of Ivy Tech’s Smart Manufacturing and Digital Integration program,” Capozzoli said. “Students will learn about the kind of programs Ivy Tech offers that will get them skilled and ready for the in-demand, high-paying jobs that are coming to Kokomo.”
Along with StarPlus Energy, employers who have confirmed their participation include Chariot Automotive Group, DC Coaters LLC, A. Raymond Tinnerman, Integrity EDM, Syndicate Sales, FedEx Ground, Compal, IMMI, Rochester Iron & Metals, and Heidelberg Materials.
The tours will include stops at programs ranging from agriculture and automotive technology to robotics and welding to advanced manufacturing and electrical engineering on the College’s high-tech campus at 1815 E. Morgan St.
“This will be especially beneficial for juniors and seniors who are looking at their next steps after high school,” Capozzoli said. “The intent is for students to first learn about the educational options here at Ivy Tech and then meet with employers and see how they can put their interests and skills into worthwhile careers.”
National Manufacturing Day was established in 2012 as “a celebration of modern manufacturing meant to inspire the next generation of manufacturers.” The effort, supported by a group of industry sponsors, is designed to give manufacturers an opportunity to begin to address the skilled labor shortage they face, connect with future generations … and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the whole industry.”