Kentucky Double Dollars and SNAP
Kentucky families who receive the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can maximize the use of their funds by purchasing Kentucky-grown vegetables, fruits, dairy and meat products at participating farmers markets across Kentucky. Kentucky Double Dollars, funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), provides financial incentives to participants in the following programs:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- WIC (Women, Infants and Children)
- SFMNP (Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Programs)
Incentives can be used to obtain fresh, Kentucky-grown food at the following sites, where participating:
- Farmers markets
- Fresh stop and community markets
- Retail stores
The end result is healthier food for Kentucky families, additional income for Kentucky farmers and stronger local food systems wherever the program is implemented. In 2022, 73 locations statewide participated in the Kentucky Double Dollars.
Information about this program, including specific dollar amounts for food incentives, can be found on the Kentucky Double Dollars website. Collaborations with agencies and programs will be an important sustainability tool for McKinney-Vento-identified students.
Liaisons who refer families to the Kentucky Double Dollars program could send home program information, identify local participating vendors and possibly assist with transportation to a location if transportation presents a well-documented barrier to participation. Please email Zach Stumbo if you have any questions.
Kentucky Heritage Council Contest
The Kentucky Heritage Council’s Martin Luther King Jr. State Commission is excited to announce its annual student competition, aimed at inspiring young minds to reflect on the principles of equality and nonviolent social change championed by Martin Luther King Jr.
This competition is a wonderful opportunity for students across Kentucky to showcase their talents in essay writing, visual arts and poetry, all centered around this year’s theme, “An Unfinished Dream.”
Competition Details:
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Essay Contest: Open to students in grades 4-12. Essays must be 500 words or less and will be judged on purpose, audience awareness, idea development, organization and language correctness.
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Visual Arts Contest: Open to students in grades K-12. Entries will be evaluated based on creativity, originality and how well they address the theme.
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Poetry Contest: Open to students in grades 6-12. Poems must be 200 words or less and will be judged on creativity and originality.
Winners will be honored at an awards ceremony on Jan. 9 at the Kentucky Historical Society in Frankfort. This event not only celebrates the winners, but also serves as a platform to promote unity, equality and justice for all.
Participation in the event is voluntary. Local liaisons who engage students in this meaningful activity can help them connect with King’s legacy and empower them to express their unique perspectives and experiences.
For more information and to submit entries, please visit the Martin Luther King Jr. State Commission website.
National Center for Homeless Education
The U.S. Department of Education routinely hosts a competitive contest to award funding for the National Center for Homelessness Education (NCHE). The most recent contest resulted in a change of provider for this service.
Previously, NCHE was run through the Serve Center at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. Safal Partners received the grant to operate the NCHE.
State coordinator Zach Stumbo recently attended a meeting to discuss this change. Colleagues from the U.S. Department of Education and the new team at NCHE asked for patience during the transition. During this time website features may change and the national helpline is currently closed.
The new NCHE team will include multiple former state coordinators, former liaisons and other specialties. Please contact Zach Stumbo if you have any questions.
October: National Domestic Violence Prevention Awareness Month
The National Domestic Violence Prevention Awareness Month is recognized every October. This month is an important reminder that domestic violence often leads to families' homelessness.
Children and youth who flee violent homes with a parent survivor and who become homeless as a result face many barriers. These barriers can have a pronounced impact on a student’s adjustment in school, including their ability to learn and their concentration levels.
The National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) provides a Domestic Violence, Homelessness and Children’s Education brief that offers technical assistance for those wishing to support students experiencing homelessness and violence. The brief includes recommendations local homeless liaisons can use to mitigate the effects of homelessness and domestic violence. These recommendations inform stakeholders about ways to build support systems, work with families in crisis, address safety needs and safeguard the child’s education. Providing information about available domestic violence support is an important way local homeless liaisons can refer students and families to local and state resources.
Contact Zach Stumbo with specific questions about supporting students experiencing homelessness.
SchoolHouse Connection Free Webinars and Recorded Webinars
SchoolHouse Connection recently provided a free webinar opportunity entitled “Prioritizing Access to Education and Supportive Services for Student Parents/Expectant Parents of Infants and Toddlers Experiencing Homelessness.” This webinar is ideal for homeless liaisons and their partners who support teens experiencing homelessness.
Please note that this webinar was not designed in partnership with the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), and it does not count for the mandatory and annual training requirements for 2024 or 2025. Viewing this webinar is voluntary and is designed to increase your knowledge about the subject matter.
Please remember this webinar was intended for a national audience. State laws and regulations may impact the allowability and use of federal funds in Kentucky schools.
For specific questions, please email Zach Stumbo, state homeless coordinator.
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