Healthy kids are better learners, according to the Action for Healthy Kid's Learning Connection report. In this report, you'll learn more about the positive impact that physical activity and healthy eating have on a child's ability to succeed in school. Access the report here. ...
Read MoreWhen Cecil Whisenton of San Antonio, Texas, transitioned his career from the restaurant industry to the installation of healthy vending machines, he learned of the tremendous burden of obesity across the country. So, in his work with HUMAN Healthy Vending—a Los-Angeles-based company that has franchisees working to place healthy vending machines across the country—Whisenton brought the machines to local YMCAs and a San Antonio high school. He hopes to bring the healthy vending machines to more schools in the future to give kids healthier snack and drink options earlier in life. He believes schools facing the pending changes under the USDA’s Smart Snacks standards can turn to companies like Human Vending to redesign the snacking for students. EMERGENCE Awareness: Cecil Whisenton ...
Read More
More folks in Honolulu will be able to purchase affordable fruits, vegetables, and whole grains at farmers' markets, thanks to new EBT machines at a handful of markets in the area, including the People's Open Market (POM) sites . EBT machines make it possible for food assistance recipients to use their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits at the market. 15% of SNAP participants in the United States are Latino. The City and County of Honolulu currently has four market sites accepting EBT: On Tuesdays, at Waipahu District Park and Wahiawa District Park; on Friday, at Ewa Beach Community Park and on Saturday, at the Kalihi Street parking lot at (Kalakaua District Park). Hawaii participation in SNAP is currently at a historic high. An average of 94,649 ...
Read MoreLonnie Sclerandi, a Spanish teacher and soccer coach at Austin Independent School District, downsized his home a few years ago and no longer had land for a garden for fresh produce. He asked his school principal if he could plant a small garden outside the portable building where he taught. The principal said, "Yes." Sclerandi then researched online about what produce would be seasonal for central Texas, and how to cultivate a garden in the area. He bought gardening tools and seeds with his own money, and got started. He tended the garden for a year. Then his students started to ask him what he was doing—which eventually grew a cool new healthy change. How the Garden Started Food service leaders at Austin Independent School District (AISD), which is about 60% ...
Read More
Highland School in Wallingford CT planted the first of their 24 garden beds in 2012. They revamped an underused tennis court to make room for the school garden, which would be used as an educational tool and to introduce students to growing their own produce. Students spend time planting, nourishing, and harvesting the garden throughout the school year, with the help of teachers who incorporate plant growth into their lessons. The garden was founded by food services director Sharlene Wong, who wanted the garden to benefit both the school and the community. Soon after implementation, Wong became increasingly busy with other school activities and was unable to maintain upkeep on the garden. Fortunately students and staff have remained vigilant in the growth and ...
Read More
Farmers' Markets are popping up everywhere, from rural towns to bustling big cities. However, some areas are still lacking that fresh, local access to fruits and vegetables---and especially at affordable prices. Realizing a neighborhood farmers' market was missing, food justice advocates in South Bronx began planning their own farmers' market that could serve the highly Latino and somewhat low-income residents in the area. Their hard work is paying off. Starting Saturday, June 14th, Bronx residents will have a brand-new, convenient way to access fresh, affordable food. The South Bronx Farmers Market will be open every Saturday from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. until November 22. In addition to its convenient hours of operation, the South Bronx Farmers Market is in a key location with ...
Read MoreLatinos make up over 60% of residents in Tulare County, many of them working for little pay on large farms in California’s fertile Central Valley. Some of these families aren’t getting proper nutrition, leading to diet-related conditions, like obesity and diabetes. When the local food bank revamped their nutrition policy to encourage more fresh produce donations, a local health advocate used her hard-earned knowledge and passion to support that policy, and implemented a creative way to get the valley’s extra fruits and veggies into the hands of those who need them. EMERGENCE Awareness: In Tulare County in California’s fertile Central Valley, fresh produce grows all over the place. But for many area residents, this healthy produce doesn’t end up on their plates. "Here we ...
Read MoreThe Center for Science in the Public Interest has created a comprehensive list of healthy school party ideas. Classroom parties can often involve candy, cake, snacks, and sweets; which are high in fat and sugar. These foods in excess lead to issues like obesity and obesity related diseases in children. But teachers and students can celebrate birthdays, accomplishments, and holidays in healthy ways! Non-food ideas involve having dance parties, extra recess, reading time, creative crafts, and party games. You can find the guide here and learn how to provide healthy celebrations for all ...
Read More
As summer approaches, farmers' markets begin kicking into high gear. Phat Beats Produce, a group of passionate food activists in Oakland, CA, are working to upgrade their Saturday farmers' market to have it serve more low-income families, farmers of color (many of which are Latino), and the whole North Oakland neighborhood. Since 2010, the Saturday market has been a forum for small farmers of color to connect with urban dwellers, while keeping the prices of their organically-grown produce affordable and accessible. It is a space that hosts grassroots economic initiatives that assist low-income residents such as the Phat Beets Kitchen Incubator Program and the Phat Beetz Youth Pickle Company. Through free Food n' Justice Workshops, monthly crop swaps and free ...
Read More