Fort Belknap Coming Together

Published: 2020
By Hillary Maxwell

A major current focus of our development and outreach efforts have centered on our role in responding to COVID-19-related needs. Fort Belknap Reservation Extension staff have operated as an integral component in developing local capacity in resource acquisition and distribution to community members. Within the framework of Extension’s directives, we are working online to bring trusted resources to help families, businesses, ranches and communities during these ever-changing days. Daily, we have seen the value and urgency of the power of education, diversity and community. Our outreach and programming have largely been limited to online, virtual and one-on-one appointments. We have been able to continue some of our out-of-doors activities, such as gardening, rancher/farmer consultation, and 4-H weigh-ins. In light of this changing environment, we continue to address local community needs and interests through our work with progressive initiatives, such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service High Tunnel program, No Kid Hungry programming, Kinship Caregiving, Farmer-Rancher Stress Management, SNAP-Ed, and Opioid Abuse Prevention. Additionally, USDA online resources have supported the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), beef processing, small business assistance, cattle markets, and stimulus packages for individual producers. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Mid-Winter Fair was held, organized by Extension staff, local community members, Tribal programs, and local businesses. Extension staff assisted 15 Mid-Winter Fair event chairs to fundraise, market, and organize fair events.