Your weekend, simplified: Oct. 6, 2023

Happy Friday! Megan here.

Weather check: Fall-y and potentially frosty

This weekend, I'm coming to you a little later in the day than usual, but I couldn't wait until next week to show you the new grocery store on wheels. You'll also learn how Southeast Tech is helping first-generation college students. Plus, hear from some kids on Mayor Paul TenHaken's youth council, find a roundup of local events and learn more about how you can support local nonprofits through United Way.

And now, news:

COMMUNITY

Get a look at Sioux Falls' new mobile grocery store

Simplified: A mobile grocery store is ready to hit the road next week, bringing fresh produce and affordable food to areas of town where groceries aren't otherwise accessible. Here's a look at what's to come from the Eat Well Sioux Falls Mobile Market.

Why it matters

• More than 24,000 people in Sioux Falls live more than one mile from a grocery store, according to a study released last summer by the Augustana Research Institute. That makes it hard, if not impossible, for people who don't have a car to access healthy food.
• The Eat Well Sioux Falls Market is one piece of the puzzle in meeting that need, Sioux Falls Thrive President Michelle Erpenbach said. It isn't a handout or food giveaway, but rather a way for people to easily and affordably purchase healthy foods in neighborhoods where that otherwise isn't an option.
• Groceries will be stocked onto a 30-foot trailer that's equipped with coolers, baskets, shelving. The vehicle also has Wi-Fi, a canopy to cover folks who may be waiting in line outside and handicap accessibility. And the types of food stocked will be in direct response to the needs of the people who shop there.

"We have a really good foundation for what people want, and it's fresh produce," Erpenbach said. "We're going to meet that need."

How will the mobile market work?

EDUCATION

How Southeast Tech is helping first-generation students

Simplified: Southeast Technical College received national recognition last month for its work in supporting first-generation students. Here's a look at how they're helping these students succeed through peer mentorships.

Why it matters

• More than 600 of Southeast Tech's nearly 2,500 students are first-generation, meaning they're the first in their family to go to college, and nationally about 1 in 3 college students is first-generation, according to Marcella Prokop, director of access and workforce opportunity.
• The college started a pilot program last year to connect new first-generation students with students who've been in their shoes. That program has served 20 people, but the goal is to serve many more and encourage businesses to offer more mentorship as well, Prokop said.
• That includes students like Breanna Clark, who is on track to earn a computer support certificate this spring. Clark's experience in the mentorship program inspired her to found a Mindfulness Club with the college to help form even more connections.

"Going to college means a better, more secure life for me and my family," Clark said. "I plan to use this financial stability to support my family as they age and help the wider community."

Tell me more

SIMPLIFIED PRESENTS

How United Way is preparing for the next generation of giving

This is a paid piece from Sioux Empire United Way.

Simplified: The nature of philanthropy is changing, and with those changes, Sioux Empire United Way (SEUW) is seeing fewer individual donors. Here's how they're looking to reverse the trend – and how you can help.

Why it matters

• About 1 in 3 people in the Sioux Empire are helped by a program funded by SEUW. The organization funds 75 programs each year to help children, vulnerable adults and people in crisis.
• SEUW had long been able to avoid the national United Way trends of seeing fewer donors, but locally Campaign Director Olivia Essig said the number of donors has gone down significantly in the last decade. It speaks to SEUW's success that they've continued to hit goals, she added, but SEUW is seeing larger donations from a smaller subset of people.
• One reason for the decline is the shifting nature of philanthropy in the workforce. Larger corporations are moving away from employee giving models, Essig said, and an increase in remote work makes it harder to reach individual donors.

"We're in the beginning stages of trying to find ways to connect with donors in new ways" Essig said. "Regardless of whether you work in a place that is supporting United Way, you can give."

Tell me more (and how can I help?)

TL;DR

Super Simplified Stories

• Pork winnington. Crawford's is the champion of the third annual Downtown Pork Showdown with it's winning dish: pork wellington. Overall, the pork showdown saw 5,700 pork dishes sold for a total economic impact of more than $173,000.
• Take back the night. You may have seen the story in Wednesday's issue about the increase in domestic violence in Sioux Falls. The annual Take Back the Night event aims to raise awareness and support for domestic violence victims. It'll take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12 at the Salsbury Science Center on the University of Sioux Falls campus.

CITY

Meet the kids helping advise the mayor

Simplified: Mayor Paul TenHaken has selected a group of 16 Sioux Falls high schoolers to serve on his 2023-24 Mayor's Youth Council.

Why it matters

• The goal of the council is to give these kids a chance to share input on community issues, learn about local government and develop leadership skills. This year marks the third year of the program.
• The students selected will also get a chance to meet city officials, learn how the various city departments work and tour facilities like the new public safety training campus, the landfill and the water purification plant.
• Student Alanna Smith, one of three kids returning for a second year on the council, said she applied to join because she wanted to ensure her voice was heard on issues that are important to her.

"I want my voice to matter," Smith said. "I knew that the council would allow me to learn about how Sioux Falls is governed and how we as youth can influence the community with our perspective."

"Adults often times tend to overlook kids and their opinions, but I really do believe we have a lot to contribute to society," council member Siyanne Redda said. "I am very engaged in social activism and love finding ways to allow those that are overlooked a chance to speak up."

Who's on the council?

EVENTS

Stuff to do: Oct. 6-12

• Celebrate Native American Day. Find a full day of fun events Monday to celebrate Native American Day in Sioux Falls. It all kicks off with a prayer in Lyon Park at 9 a.m., a fun run at 10:15 a.m. and a parade on Phillips Avenue downtown starting at 11 a.m. Then the party moves to the Levitt for an afternoon Wacipi. Want to volunteer? Sign up here.
• Dance with the (Sioux Falls) stars. Catch some Sioux Falls stars dancing to support mental health. You can also buy raffle tickets to win a trip to Napa Valley or support the cause by bidding on silent auction items. The event kicks off 6 p.m. Saturday at the District. Tickets here.
• Enjoy Paw-tumn. Bring your four-legged friend out to The Good Earth Farm in Lennox Sunday afternoon for the inaugural "Paw-tumn Festival." Costs are $20 for one dog, and $5 for each additional dog, and fees include professional photos, games, crafts and participation in the dog costume contest. Funds raised will support the Rescue Network. More details here.
• Drink wine and see art. It's First Friday downtown this weekend, and it's also the fall Art and Wine Walk. Stop by some of the 33 locations to see local art, and sample wine. More details here.
• Hear some bands. It's the 36th annual Festival of Bands at Howard Wood Field. Twenty-five bands will compete starting at 10:15 a.m., and if you can't attend in-person, there's an option to watch the livestream. More details here.
• Find some fall festivals. Newton Hills is hosting its Fall Festival from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday. You can also check out Wilde Prairie Winery's Harvest Festival from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. And, the Country Apple Orchard in Harrisburg has a fall festival running every weekend in October.

ICYMI

More simplified news

THIS AND THAT

What I'm falling for this weekend

• Socks
• Sips
• Slow fashion

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