First to Know, First to Act
Our Child Care Improvement Project (CCIP) business advisors are more than just advisors. They are part of the communities they serve and. trusted advocates. They speak the language, understand the culture, and build real relationships with the providers they support.
That connection matters. Childcare businesses are uniquely positioned to address food insecurity in households.
Childcare providers feed the children while in their care. They can also connect families to resources like NH’s Free Food Market. There, families can arrange to have groceries delivered to them. They can request foods for special dietary needs and culturally specific options. Meera Batra, CCIP Program Manager, and Jim Cooper, Food Security Manager know this is a critical connection. That’s why they work together to strengthen their collaboration.
That’s why they work together to strengthen their collaboration. They know that the rise in food insecurity is particularly high for families with children. They saw how cuts to SNAP benefits hurt families. Even childcare providers struggled to not only feed the children in their care but also their own families.
They took action. Today, CCIP advisors connect providers directly to the Free Food Market. They helpg them access food for both their childcare businesses and their homes. This includes culturally specific options, like Halal meat for Somali providers. Advisors do more than make referrals. They walk alongside providers, help bridge gaps and makie sure no one has to navigate these challenges alone. With support from a grant from FACT Oregon, this work has expanded even further, focusing on equitable access for families who experiencieg a disability and ensure support reaches those who need it most.
Now, under one roof at our new building, our teams can collaborate more easily, respond faster, and serve our community in deeper ways. Together, we are doing more than providing food. We are easing fear, supporting childcare providers, and making sure children and families have what they need to thrive.
