For over two and half years, Maria Cole has served as a Field Monitor for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) at The Planning Council. She supports childcare providers spread throughout five counties of western Maryland. She visits the childcare providers’ home or center once every three-to-four months to provide nutrition oversight. Oversight includes safety checks, food inspection, teaching nutrition, sharing better cooking processes, streamlining so not to waste food, ensuring proper documentation, and technical support.
Many may believe that a representative of a federally funded program (i.e. CACFP) is intimidating and will react to them with skepticism; therefore, Maria is determined to destigmatize this notion of fear. Maria exhibits safety as she enters her visits with no agenda but to help the providers meet the agreed upon conditions of the program. While exercising patience and understanding, it may take up to a year to build a trusting relationship with the providers.
There may also be a stigma that the federally funded CACFP is a handout to those experiencing food insecurity. Maria advocates for the program and recognizes that it is a stimulus for society. The reimbursements to childcare providers who provide nutritious snacks and meals to children in need are ultimately funds expended to keep our local grocery stores and agricultural farmers in business.
Being a provider of childcare can be unpredictable at times as children’s behaviors and needs can change rapidly. Through her periodic visits, Maria is able to be a resource for providers when they may be experiencing a tough time.
Maria’s philanthropy extends beyond CACFP as she is a worship leader and musician. She is a classically influenced pianist and an old-time fiddler. She teaches piano to children with special needs and behavioral issues. Maria loves spending time in nature. Every day she walks along the river near her home. She also enjoys hiking through the mountains and on the beach, traveling, and arts and crafts.