VPT Online: Public Square: Childhood Hunger in Vermont

PUBLIC SQUARE is a new initiative that will be addressing issues of concern to Vermonters — in a variety of formats — as the months roll on. Mixing documentary footage, thoughtful insight, in-depth panel discussions and more, we’ll keep you informed about local events and issues that affect your lives. First up, on January 19th, is "Childhood Hunger in Vermont."

Childhood Hunger in Vermont
Live with Viewer Call-in

Wed., Jan. 19, at 8 pm

This program addresses the often unseen effects of childhood hunger in Vermont and features the documentary "Hidden Hunger," produced by Vermont filmmaker Anjalika Sharma for the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger.

Our host, local news reporter Bridget Barry Caswell, will lead a discussion with panelists and take questions live on the telephone from viewers.

The panelists will be:

Jo Busha, State Director, Child Nutrition Programs, VT Department of Education
Robert Dostis, Executive Director, Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger
Wanda Hines, Director, Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf

Be sure to tune in and find out more about this important issue.

Community Outreach

In partnership with the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger and Head Start, VPT's Ready to Learn (RTL) program will sponsor related outreach activities with parents of children enrolled in Head Start programs throughout the state.

At four training sessions in January and February, parents will gather to watch "Childhood Hunger in Vermont." Following a discussion and Q&A period, nutritionists and RTL staff will demonstrate how to incorporate good eating habits into daily life and how to encourage kids to try new foods. Parents attending will take home support materials, children's books and gourmet marinara sauce, courtesy of Dell'Amore Enterprises.

The participating Head Start programs are:

Northeast Kingdom Community Action Inc. Head Start, Barton
Tuesday, January 25, 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Early Education Services Head Start, Brattleboro
Monday, February 7, 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Champlain Valley Head Start, Richford
Wednesday, February 9, 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Champlain Valley Head Start, Middlebury
Monday, February 14, 9:30 AM - 12:00 pm

For more information about the training sessions or to attend, please call 1-800-639-3351, or send us an e-mail at learning@vpt.org.

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