This program got a late start because of changes in the centeral office.  Those communication issues have been address and the program will start on time in FY 2019.   The program has been affective in using cooking to address hunger, academic issues, and bringing families together for at least one meal per week. 

St. Mary's Public Schools, Green Holly Elementary School PTA, DSS, St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division, Univeristy of Maryland Coopretive Extension.  

1. Starting the program earlier

2. Impelimenting Common Bites.

3. Recruting from DSS, and other related families.

Provides leadership and school engagement program through enrichment and academic programs. Provides students with an opportunity to become more engaged in school and raises school attainment - attendance and attachment to the academic portion of the school day. In FY 2019, the program targets students that qualified for Free and Reduced Meal  status (FARMS).  In order to combat the impact of hunger in these homes, the program teaches a slow cooker cooking class wehre students make, eat, and take home meals.  The program teaches about healthy and nutritious habits, as well as academic skills to the students.  The program staff utilizes the cooking programs as ways to introduce and develop academic skills to the students.  

Youth from 8-13 - both male and female at Green Holly Elementary School. The children are identified by the counselors at the school. The students are typically identified because of the academics, family life, poverty, etc. issues In the Title 1 elementary schools. In FY 2019, the students who have FARMS status make up the targeted participants.  Additionally, the program recruits children from families that have been affected by incarceration.  

Families affected by incarceration and Hunger.