A child’s most important developmental years are those leading up to kindergarten. Good nutrition is vital to healthy development in young children, and poor nutrition in the early years can lead to learning problems later on.
Through the Harvest Food Box program funded by the Cocopah Tribe Regional Council, more families with young children are able to access nutritious food. Young kids and their caregivers learn about proper nutrition for the whole family and how to prepare healthy snacks and serve nutritious meals with the food they receive. Families also receive referrals to other services, depending on the family’s needs.
“We have single parents and grandparents raising grandchildren,” said Gina Nierenhausen, Coordinator at the Cocopah Community Center. “Thanks to First Things First, families with young children are able to have nutritious meals and have a healthy lifestyle.”