scholarly journals Developing Extension Programming to Help Low-Income Families Save Money and Energy: The Community Weatherization Coalition Model

EDIS ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (1) ◽  
pp. 3
Author(s):  
Paul Monaghan ◽  
Sarah Blucher ◽  
Marianne Schmink ◽  
Alane Humrich ◽  
Jennison Kipp ◽  
...  

This new 3-page publication of the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication is the first in a series that will help Extension agents, nonprofits, agency personnel, and other promoters of community development better understand both the issue of high utility bills among low-income residents and what they can do to help. This first publication provides an overview of one program approach taken by a group of volunteers in Alachua County, the Community Weatherization Coalition, which uses a model of trained “energy coaches.” Written by Paul Monaghan, Sarah Blucher, Marianne Schmink, Alane Humrich, Jennison Kipp, and Wendell Porter.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc368

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
Anif Fatma Chawa

This article presents empirical findings of research seeking to explore the formation of social capital in community development practice, that exhibits a model or mechanism by which social capital can be formed and maintained. This study also depicts how the empowerment objective can be achieved through this form of social capital. The result of this study found that the grouping mechanism established by local community development organization, namely Posdaya, has led to the formation and strengthening of social capital. The members of Posdaya have been grouped based the similarities of their interests, such as hobbies, talents, and professions. This study highlights the fact that this social capital has given rise to collective participation of the Posdaya members by sharing their knowledge, skills, and information; and finding solutions to their development problems with minimum outside intervention. These mutual and collective actions can be considered part of the self-help principle which has succeeded in empowering the members of Posdaya.


2014 ◽  
Vol 84 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 244-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Karp ◽  
Gary Wong ◽  
Marguerite Orsi

Abstract. Introduction: Foods dense in micronutrients are generally more expensive than those with higher energy content. These cost-differentials may put low-income families at risk of diminished micronutrient intake. Objectives: We sought to determine differences in the cost for iron, folate, and choline in foods available for purchase in a low-income community when assessed for energy content and serving size. Methods: Sixty-nine foods listed in the menu plans provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for low-income families were considered, in 10 domains. The cost and micronutrient content for-energy and per-serving of these foods were determined for the three micronutrients. Exact Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for comparisons of energy costs; Spearman rho tests for comparisons of micronutrient content. Ninety families were interviewed in a pediatric clinic to assess the impact of food cost on food selection. Results: Significant differences between domains were shown for energy density with both cost-for-energy (p < 0.001) and cost-per-serving (p < 0.05) comparisons. All three micronutrient contents were significantly correlated with cost-for-energy (p < 0.01). Both iron and choline contents were significantly correlated with cost-per-serving (p < 0.05). Of the 90 families, 38 (42 %) worried about food costs; 40 (44 %) had chosen foods of high caloric density in response to that fear, and 29 of 40 families experiencing both worry and making such food selection. Conclusion: Adjustments to USDA meal plans using cost-for-energy analysis showed differentials for both energy and micronutrients. These differentials were reduced using cost-per-serving analysis, but were not eliminated. A substantial proportion of low-income families are vulnerable to micronutrient deficiencies.


2001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trish Livingstone ◽  
Lisa Lix ◽  
Mary McNutt ◽  
Evan Morris ◽  
William Osei ◽  
...  

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