School of Human Ecology 2006 Excellence in Outreach Awards
Roberta Riportella, professor of consumer science, and her staff, including Michael Jacob, Allison Espeseth and Johanna Schmitz, provide leadership to the Covering Kids and Families-Wisconsin program. This statewide coalition of more than 65 organizations is funded by a nearly $1 million gift from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and an additional $227,000 from the federal government. The program aims to ensure all children and families who are eligible for Family Medicaid programs are aware of those programs and can easily enroll.
An array of outreach events and publications have reached tens of thousands of Wisconsin families. These include county-specific brochures, as well as maps and data to aid local professionals in targeting outreach to individuals most in need.
"We have repeatedly heard from county residents and leaders the need to address affordable health care for our families," says Karen Dickrell, professor of family development, UW-Extension Outagamie County. "I found that by working with the Covering Kids and Families program, I have been able to sharpen my own skills in understanding what is available and have thus been better equipped to work with county families in helping them realize what is available to them."
Lydia Zepeda, professor of consumer science, directs the Huitlacoche Project for the Friends of Troy Gardens. This tract on Madison's north side contains 26 acres, which are being developed for multiple-purpose use, including a community garden, community farm and prairie restoration.
The Huitlacoche Project involves raising a corn mushroom that has been eaten as a delicacy in Mexico for centuries and has recently gained mention in Bon Appetit and other food publications. In addition to helping to support the farm through huitlacoche sales, the production of this crop reaches out to the city's Hispanic population.
The project entailed investigating sustainable production methods and researching propagation methods. It also involved market research, with the result that huitlacoche is now primarily sold fresh at farm markets and frozen. During the past three years, nearly 2,000 individuals have been introduced to the corn product through festivals, tasting events and cooking demonstrations.