Kallie Robins
Blakelee Anderson
Blakelynn Moore
Urbanna Oyster Festival Queen contestant Kallie Robins and her Little Miss Spat co-contestants Blakelee Anderson and Blakelynn Moore worked to raise money for local community organizations that provide meals to Middlesex County residents.
At the beginning of the competition, Kallie only had one Little Miss Spat. Due to other obligations, a queen contestant could not continue with the competition and Kallie was willing to take on a second Little Miss Spat hopeful.
This project was chosen based on data identifying needs in the county and meeting with the Middlesex County Department of Social Services (DSS) to identify opportunities that would make the most impact on the largest number of Middlesex residents. Through this research and discussion, the number of residents experiencing difficulty accessing food and healthy meals, this problem was something Kallie wanted to focus on.
Access to healthy foods has such a great impact on overall health and wellness and considering that her intent to pursue a career in healthcare as a nurse practitioner, Kallie decided that she wanted to make a difference for those who are experiencing food insecurity to promote a sense of reliability for these families and promote health in the community. Kallie learned of an emerging problem from the staff at Middlesex DSS that Middlesex County residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were experiencing theft of their benefits through EBT card skimming and that families were calling Middlesex DSS for help because they did not have money or SNAP benefits available for food. The Middlesex DSS was doing all it could to supplement the losses for these families but there was only so much within their budget that they could do to help. She also learned that produce stands in the county do not accept SNAP benefits therefore, families could not purchase fresh fruits and vegetables utilizing their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. From there, the idea to develop the Nourish Middlesex Project was born.
Nourish Middlesex is a project that focuses on bringing tangible support to families and individuals facing hunger and economic hardship. Kallie worked with Middlesex DSS to identify families who could benefit from her project and these families agreed to work directly with Kallie, Blakelee and Blakelynn to receive food donations, education and support as well as Food Lion gift cards to supplement their needs because of stolen SNAP benefits. Meeting these families gave such meaning and sentiment to this project, knowing those who were directly impacted by the work the girls were doing.
The Nourish Middlesex project raised $4,800 throughout the course of the project, and the girls participated in 168 hours of community service. This money was raised by hosting events that engaged the community and promoted awareness of the challenges that many Middlesex County residents experience with food insecurity.
The events hosted by the Nourish Middlesex project included food collections and donations at Little League Day, a raffle at the Deltaville Ballpark, and hosting a pickleball tournament. Kallie also collected food at various locations throughout Middlesex County.
The amount raised was also possible as a result of engaging community partners and local businesses for support. Funds totaling $1,050 were given directly to families identified by the Middlesex Department of Social Services as $150 Food Lion gift cards to supplement losses associated with stolen SNAP benefits. Funds totaling $2,000 were donated to the Middlesex Department of Social Services to provide further assistance to families who may experience a need in the future.
Hands Across Middlesex (The Cryer Center), Bay Aging, and Helping the Homeless Ministries all contribute to improving food insecurity in Middlesex County in significant ways. Each of those organizations received $500 donations from the Nourish Middlesex project.
Nourish Middlesex also donated $250 to Something Different restaurant’s community meals program. This program allows families the opportunity for a meal out, even if they cannot afford it, which promotes a sense of belonging and normalcy to those who may be in a difficult situation. Through research and estimating the cost of a meal at $10 per meal, Nourish Middlesex was able to provide donations to individuals, families and community-based organizations that will provide at least 480 meals to Middlesex residents of all ages.
In addition to the monetary donations, as mentioned, the food collected was given directly to the families who agreed to work with us as well as to Hands Across Middlesex and Helping the Homeless Ministries to be distributed as part of their food pantries and meals programs. Kallie was also able to donate tickets to the Lower Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department’s annual crab feast to three families in need.
Kallie, Blakelee and Blakelynn also provided education to two local produce stands on the process to accept SNAP benefits and how to obtain the machines to process EBT payments for food.
Kallie enjoyed the opportunity to serve her community, make lasting relationships, honor the good work of local community organizations and spend time as a mentor to Blakelee and Blakelynn. Spending time with her Little Miss Spat co-contestants was deeply rewarding and the opportunity to work directly with families in Middlesex was life-changing for Kallie.
Kallie, Blakelee and Blakelynn thanked the following for the generous donations, help and support that they received for their project:
- Middlesex Department of Social Services
- Hands Across Middlesex
- Helping the Homeless Ministries
- Bay Aging
- Something Different
- Deltaville Community Association
- Riverside Brick
- William Wills Construction
- C&W Hanover Septic and Well
- G.W. Robins & Son Inc.
- Middlesex Family YMCA
- Staff at the Middlesex County Clerk of Court’s office
- Lower Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department
- Randy Blue
- Numerous friends and family who donated money, time, and food to help them reach their goal
Kallie is a senior at Middlesex High School. She is the president of the National Honor Society, a member of the Key Club and participates in varsity cheerleading. Kallie works at the Pink Lemon and has been actively involved in volunteer programs focused on elderly care, addressing food insecurity, and health promotion.
Kallie’s long-term goal is to pursue a degree as a nurse practitioner that will allow her to improve the lives of others, particularly in underserved or rural communities.
Kallie plans to attend Longwood University after graduation in pursuit of this goal.
Kallie is the daughter of Tiffany and William Robins and lives in Deltaville. Kallie is the granddaughter of Frances and Ed Robins of Deltaville and Marian and Larry Adams of Quinton.
Blakelee Anderson is the daughter of Heidi and Daniel Anderson and lives in Hartfield. Blakelee is a first grade student and enjoys singing, roller skating, and dancing.
Blakelynn Moore is the daughter of Taylor and Dylan Moore and lives in Hardyville. Blakelynn is also a first grade student and enjoys going on boat rides, hunting and twirling.
Kallie enjoyed making memories with these young girls playing putt-putt, shopping, baking, making crafts, swimming, special lunches out, delivering food and sharing her project with them.
