At the SEPC, we are committed to serving our members and our community. In fact, we included this statement in our By-Laws: "We support charitable causes in the Southeastern communities."
Ken Lanhardt was a founding member of the Southeast Produce Council and he spearheaded the effort to share our prosperity by giving back to the community. Therefore, it's only fitting that the Annual Ken Lanhardt Memorial Golf Tournament raises an average of $15,000 each year.
Here's an overview of our 2008 Community Outreach Programs:
The Southeast Produce Council & EFNEP
Partners in Better Health
Obesity is a modern day epidemic that affects all facets of society, including children. The prevalence of obesity in children has nearly quadrupled over the past 30 years. Research has shown that childhood obesity commonly tracks into adulthood. More than 20% of children are obese by the time children they reach middle school. Fruits and vegetables play a critical role in the etiology and treatment of several chronic diseases, including obesity.
Americans are encouraged to consume five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. However, according to the NHANES, children ages 6 to 11 consume an average of 2.1 vegetables and 1.4 fruits per day.
Therefore, a nutrition education program Lucy’s Tasty Treasures was developed with the goal of building awareness and appreciation of fruits and vegetables; and, increasing their consumption.
Lucy’s Tasty Treasures is a television series shown in schools and on SCETV with an innovative blend of education and entertainment. The main character, Lucy, is on a summer assignment, a Treasure Hunt, to locate and learn about fruits and vegetables. Lucy, accompanied by her younger brother, Austin, travels throughout the Southeast, visiting farms, food industries, retail establishments and other sites related to fruits and vegetables. On her trips, Lucy often encounters Charlotte, a classmate who has the same assignment.
Taking a “farm to table” approach, Lucy’s Tasty Treasures also includes segments that show Lucy and her Mom in their home kitchen with the fruits and vegetables Lucy learned about on her trips. Lucy and Mom prepare quick and easy, kid-friendly recipes while discussing nutritional content and food handling practices of the fruits and vegetables.
Prior to program development, three focus group interviews were conducted with 29 children to assess their knowledge about nutrition, and fruits and vegetables. The results were utilized to develop the key educational messages. During the development process, three additional focus group interviews were conducted with 22 children to gather information about educational activity design, format, and characters. Viewer responses have been overwhelming and positive. Preliminary data from 76 students who completed a pretest and posttest indicates that the majority acquire knowledge and skills related to fruit and vegetables and nutrition.
The Lucy’s Tasty Treasures program also includes Tasty Bites segments that are 1-2 minutes in length. These segments are taped in a laboratory, kitchen or outdoors and are designed to educate about different nutrition, diet and health messages. These segments can be used as “teasers” at the beginning of educational classes or can be shown during the morning announcements in schools.
Lucy’s Tasty Treasures has supplementary materials including a Teacher's Guide that supports and extends the learning opportunities and a web site containing video segments, games, recipes, podcasts, and a blog for students.
For more information or ordering information, contact:
Katherine L. Cason, Ph.D., R.D.
Professor, State EFNEP Coordinator
State Program Leader for Food Safety and Nutrition
207 Poole Agricultural Center
Clemson University
Clemson, SC 29634-0316
Phone: 864-656-0539
Fax: 864-656-0775
Email: kcason@Clemson.edu
The selection of sites for Melissa's visits are on a first come first serve basis and our at the soul discretion of SC EFNEP.
SEPC Scholarship Program
This past year we were able to grant eight $1000.00 scholarships on behalf of the Southeast Produce Council!
It is our goal to give another eight $1000.00 scholarships away during the summer of 2008!!!
Who will be doing the judging?
We have had three members volunteer to be the impartial judges for this endeavor.
Stan Archibald III - Archibald Brokers
David Sherrod, Apio, Inc. Chair Community Outreach Committee
Samantha Winters, Florida Tomato Committee
Who is eligible to apply for an SEPC Scholarship?
As per the SPC guidelines, the following are eligible…A member in good standing (2008) of SPC, and/or a member of the family of a SPC Member in good standing to include children and grand children.
When is the Scholarship Application Due?
All completed applications must be postmarked no later than May 1, 2008. They must be completely filled out. Any late and/or incomplete applications will be returned.
Where are forms sent to?
Send the forms to:
Stan Archibald, III
Attn: SEPC Scholarship Program
P.O. Box 471209
Charlotte, NC 28247
Who do I contact if I have a question?
Contact Stan Archibald, III, with any and all questions. His office phone number is 704-542-2972.
What if I need more than one Scholarship Application?
Make a copy of the one available on the SPC website.
Special Interest...
The judges will review each application as per need and desire. Special consideration will be given to those who are planning to pursue a career in a produce or food industry field.
Can I contribute to the Scholarship Fund and/or Charity Fund?
You bet!!! We (Southeast Produce Council) will willingly accept any monetary donations that you may want to send.
There is also an opportunity to send door prizes and the like that can be raffled off at events in order to raise money for these funds.
Send any donations to the address listed on the first page. Please earmark the money/product for either the Scholarship and/or Charity Fund.
Thank You in advance for your generosity and it will be noted.
In closing
The Southeast Produce Council has grown to over four hundred and seventy five members. We are looking toward the future of once again offering a Scholarship Program. It is indeed a GREAT WAY to assist members and their families in building their future. We are proud of the relationships that we have throughout our membership. The networking and human factor of this organization is OUTSTANDING.
Stan Archibald, III
Chair, Southeast Produce Council Scholarship Committee
If you're interested in obtaining more information on our scholarship program, click here to download an overview and application (PDF) or contact Stan Archibald,III at 704-542-2972.
Overview and Application require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view (free download):
A program designed to help teach low income audiences the skills, attitudes and changed behavior necessary for nutritionally sound diets
