From the very first day school ended to the last day of summer break, Cacyce Davis and her team has been providing food for children facing hunger. Throughout the pandemic, Cacyce witnessed firsthand how great a need there was in the community. Furthermore, she realized just how impactful other forms of service were. Large scale curbside service removed many barriers for families, and participation skyrocketed. Although COVID-19 restrictions and declarations of public emergency have been lifted, Elmore County has not stopped serving the community with intentionality and passion.
Innovative Tools
A new ticketing platform has been crucial for Cacyce and her staff to reach more kids and prepare more efficiently for the week ahead. Through Ticket Tailor, an online ticketing event platform, there are multiple ways to distribute sign-ups for families. Whether it be a QR code or a website link to the app, it bolsters and speeds up registration for whichever service/day individuals choose. The app also provides clear, accessible information to families on where to go and any other critical logistics. This makes it easier on the service end because teams know exactly who is scheduled at which site, and can better plan ahead.
Ticket Tailor is compatible with iPads and iPhones to act as scanners that continuously gather data on who is in line and participating in the program. As a result, it contains and organizes student information for Cacyce, which can inform future service areas, the type of work they do, and also help them know who needs support. This tool has been pivotal in streamlining the registration process and mitigating some logistical burdens for Cacyce and her team. Ultimately, innovative tools like these and “great staff that are willing to do really great, hard work and go above and beyond”, as Cacyce points out, are what makes a difference in communities like Elmore County.
Intentional Menu Planning
“We worked really hard on the menu and finding what kids and parents like,” says Cacyce. This year, she learned so much and received support through a partnership with Dole. For the first time, Dole did direct shipping and this expedited the process of receiving large amounts and options of fruit. When she posted the menu with these new fruits, within hours she saw registration skyrocket to 6,000. Cacyce and her team “struggles with limitations of food procurement and options,” but this doesn’t stop her, she explained. Being able to add seasonal fruits like Southern peaches has bolstered participation and excitement in the program.
Elmore County continues to improve, innovate, and reach more and more children every year. What fuels this drive to constantly innovate? Cacyce put it well: “If we have a great opportunity to do things for kids, we try our best to do it.” Without great staff willing to put in the hard work and impactful tools like Ticket Tailor, Elmore County would not be able to show up every day the way they do.
