Overview


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A community of practice for Head Start and Early Head Start staff working in food services to support the health and wellbeing of our children and families.

Why

Food services in our Head Start and Early Head Start programs are vital to the well-being of children and families.  The key areas of impact are nutrition and health benefits, early childhood development, support for families and community and social equity.  In addition, well managed food services inclusive of engaged staff, links to community partners and inclusive cultural practices add to the overall impact of agencies on the communities they serve.

Who

This community of practice is focused on gathering together Head Start and Early Head Start staff working in food services to support the health and wellbeing of our children and families.  Each agency in Head Start WEST have unique systems.  In this space we will work to support the efforts agencies, contractors and all who are committed to elevating food services in our community. About our COP Facilitator – Kristine Smith is the Senior Director of Nutrition Services at the Neighborhood House Association (NHA), where she leads strategic initiatives to enhance food service, transportation, and nutrition for preschoolers, K-12th graders, and seniors in the San Diego region. Under her leadership, her team prepares and delivers over one million meals annually, focusing on food equity and combatting obesity for the most at-risk San Diegans. Kristine has scaled the operation to include new educational programs, revenue streams, and collaborations with small businesses.

 

What

Four COP sessions are planned!  Click here or on the Agenda button above for session details

  • October 31, 2024, 2-3:30 pm PT
  • December 5, 2024, 2-3:30 pm PT
  • February 6, 2025, 2-3:30 pm PT
  • April 3, 2025, 2-3:30 pm PT

In addition, HSW’s Kitchen Table with Kris Smith will be planning an in-person gathering in conjunction with our First 1000 Days! Early Head Start Conference, June 9 – 11, 2025 in Santa Rosa, CA.  Keep an eye out for our sessions and special events.

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Latest News

  • Edward Condon
  • June 11, 2025

NHSA Statement on Level Funding for Head Start in President’s FY2026 Budget May 30, 2025

Alexandria, VA  — The National Head Start Association (NHSA) issued the following statement in response to ...
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  • Edward Condon
  • June 11, 2025

Head Start Feeds Almost 800,000 Kids Every Day. A Proposed Funding Change Puts That at Risk

Urban Institute - May 29, 2025 In recent months, the Trump administration has considered cutting funding for ...
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  • Admin
  • September 22, 2021

CCRC’s Response to Universal Transitional Kindergarten

by Michael Olenick, Ph.D., President & CEO with research by Aja Goare For more ...
Read More

Questions? Contact us at headstartr9@region9hsa.org.