Hundreds of people wait for food on the second Friday of each month for the Second Harvest Food Bank's giveaway in Blackford County. People line up at the 4-H fairgrounds in their vehicles in the early hours (some wait more than four hours) for the food bank to come distribute food.

Purdue Extension-Blackford County harnessed this opportunity and audience by inviting those waiting to come into the 4-H Building for the Tailgate Link program. Once inside, individuals can participate in educational programming in a warm and welcoming environment.

Food samples stimulate conversation and lead to educational opportunities. Participants ask questions and are receptive to the information because it addresses their personal situations. Our staff distributes recipes, educational materials, and food safety equipment to those who come through the building.

The Health and Human Science educator and Family Nutrition Program assistant plan the topics for the educational programs. They made a special effort to reduce the incidence of foodborne illnesses by distributing:

• Food safety information that described how to property handle, clean, and prepare cantaloupes during the salmonella outbreak.



• Food thermometers and instructions on how to cook foods to the proper temperature.

These efforts have allowed Purdue Extension-Blackford County to reach populations in the county that have been difficult to reach.

We are reaching people we have not come in contact with before, including the Hispanic population. More than 70 people attend each monthly Tailgate Link. The events continue to give Blackford County residents the opportunity to discuss important issues with Purdue Extension educators.