Health Impact

Since 2009 the statewide program has reached:

Schools

Teachers

Students & Families

Hear what children, teachers, school leaders and parents have to say about Building Healthy Communities!

“I have been completely blown away at how enthusiastic my kids have been about eating healthier and getting exercise.”

—Parent

“The Building Healthy Communities Program inspired staff and students to become healthier! We began drinking more water and having fruit and veggie snacks rather than sugary drinks and unhealthy snacks. Students were also given opportunity to try fruit and veggies they had not tried before and they realized they liked them and eat them now!”

—Principal

“Building Healthy Communities has become a huge part of our daily lives in the classroom. Students love the nutrition lessons as they get kids talking and thinking about healthy good choices.”

—Classroom Teacher

“Before our physical education equipment was dated and limited. Now there is plenty of equipment to keep all students in classes engaged increasing the time students are active and their outlook on physical education.”

—PE Teacher

“I think that Building Healthy Communities has helped our school because it helps the school be active. I think the Healthy Kids Club is good because you eat healthy snacks and exercise. It’s been a big help for the school.”

—Fifth Grade Student

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Building Healthy Communities works to create supportive school environments through healthy eating and physical activity

🍌 Wellness Wednesday: Go Bananas! 🍌 Banana

🥦🍆 Cook Smart, Stay Healthy! 🍅🥕 When

🌟 Mindful Monday Reminder 🌟 Let’s talk Vi

Fun Friday: Recipe Edition 🥣 Veggie Soup Made J

🥒 Happy National Pickle Day! 🥒 Did you know

🍇 Sweet, Simple, and So Refreshing! 🍌 Cravi

🌞 Movement Monday Reminder! 🌞

Movement isn’t about perfection or intensity—it’s about showing up for yourself.

Whether it’s a walk in the park, stretching at home, or dancing in your living room, moving your body is a form of self-care!

Let’s celebrate progress, not perfection. 💪

#MovementMonday #SelfCareThroughMovement #ProgressNotPerfection #SmallSteps #BuildingHealthyCommunities

Fun Friday Hydration Boost! 💧🥒 Did you kno

Want to get the most out of your veggies? 🥕🥦

Along with this months theme of fruits and veggies

🥒 Healthy Tip: Cucumber Edition! 🥒 This No

November is World Diabetes Month 🌍💙 A time t

🎉 Fun Friday: Leftover Halloween Treat Ideas 🍬

Halloween may be over, but the fun doesn’t have to be! If you’re looking at a pile of leftover candy, here are some fun and creative ways to repurpose those treats in a healthy, mindful way. 👻✨

1. Create a Candy Charcuterie Board: 🍫 Arrange a mix of leftover candy with healthy additions like fruits, nuts, and cheese for a colorful, balanced treat board. It’s a fun way to enjoy treats in moderation while mixing in nutritious options!

2. Make a Sweet Trail Mix: 🍿 Combine leftover mini candies with nuts, seeds, popcorn, and dried fruit for a homemade trail mix. Perfect for snacks that satisfy a sweet tooth while also adding protein and fiber.

3. Bake with Your Candy: 🍪 Use leftover chocolate and candies in baking! Add pieces to cookie dough, mix them into brownies, or sprinkle on top of yogurt for a sweet twist. This way, you can control portion sizes and balance your ingredients.

4. Donate or Share: 💝 Consider sharing candy with friends, family, or even donating it to community programs. It’s a great way to spread the Halloween cheer and practice mindful giving.

#FunFriday #HalloweenLeftovers #MindfulEating #GetCreative #BalanceAndEnjoy
#BuildingHealthyCommunities

Healthy & Safe Halloween 🍬 Let's make sure tod

🌼 Wellness Wednesday 🌼 Why is Gratitude Imp

📋 Tip Tuesday 📋

Why plan your meals?🥗🍞🍗

Meal planning ensures you include all five food groups (fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy) in your daily diet, helping you meet your nutritional needs and save time during the week. 🍎🥦🍞
It helps you avoid last-minute, less healthy food choices and reduces food waste by using up ingredients you already have! 💡

Tip: Set aside some time on Sunday to plan your meals for the week. Use the MyPlate guide to create balanced breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. You can even prepare meals in advance or chop veggies to save time during busy weekdays! 🌟

#TipTuesday #MealPlanning #BalancedEating #MyPlate #HealthyLiving #BuildingHealthyCommunities

🍽️ MyPlate Monday 🍽️

This Monday, let’s take a deep dive into the 5 food groups on the MyPlate guide and explore the benefits of including each one in your meals! 🌟

Fruits 🍓:
Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, fruits help support your immune system and overall health. They’re naturally low in fat and calories, making them a great choice for a balanced diet. 🍊
Mindful Tip: Aim for whole fruits like apples or berries and enjoy a variety of colors to get a mix of nutrients.

Vegetables 🥦:
Vegetables are packed with vitamins (like A and C), minerals, and fiber. They help maintain healthy digestion and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Mindful Tip: Make half your plate fruits and veggies. The more variety, the better!

Grains 🍞:
Whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal, and whole-wheat bread provide essential fiber, B vitamins, and iron. They help with digestion and give you long-lasting energy.
Mindful Tip: Choose whole grains over refined grains for better health benefits and a feeling of fullness.

Protein 🍗:
Proteins, including lean meats, beans, nuts, and seafood, are vital for muscle health, tissue repair, and hormone production.
Mindful Tip: Vary your protein choices to include plant-based options like beans and nuts, which offer additional fiber and healthy fats.

Dairy 🥛:
Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese provide calcium, vitamin D, and protein, essential for bone health and muscle function.
Mindful Tip: Opt for low-fat or fat-free dairy to get the benefits without excess saturated fat.

By including all five food groups, you ensure your body gets the variety of nutrients it needs to thrive. 🧘‍♀️✨

#MyPlateMonday #BalancedDiet #5FoodGroups #MindfulEating #HealthyLiving
#BuildingHealthyCommunities

Looking for something fun and healthy to do this w

Diving into the MyPlate theme and mindful eating t

Focus on whole, nutrient-rich foods to fuel your b

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Building Healthy Communities

Building Healthy Communities: Reducing Health Disparities in Elementary Schools

Building Healthy Communities

2 days ago

🥦🍆 Cook Smart, Stay Healthy! 🍅🥕When it comes to veggies, steaming, roasting, and grilling are your MVPs! Here’s why:🔥 Steaming preserves nutrients & keeps them vibrant.🌟 Roasting brings out natural sweetness & crispy goodness.🍴 Grilling adds a smoky, delicious flavor.Say goodbye to soggy veggies and hello to nutrient-packed, flavorful meals! 🥗💪 #HealthyEating #VeggieLovers #CookSmart #MindfulMonday #WellnessTips #BuildingHealthyCommunities ... See MoreSee Less

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Building Healthy Communities

3 days ago

🌟 Mindful Monday Reminder 🌟Let’s talk Vitamin C—your immune system’s bestie! 🍊✨ If you guessed D: you are correct! Along with all the benefits discussed in this post, this powerhouse vitamin also:🍓 Promotes glowing skin🥦 Supports wound healing🌿 Fights free radicalsAdd more citrus, berries, and greens to your day to feel your best inside and out! 💛 #MindfulMonday #VitaminC #WellnessJourney #HealthyLiving #GlowFromWithin #BuildingHealthyCommunities ... See MoreSee Less

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Building Healthy Communities

6 days ago

Fun Friday: Recipe Edition 🥣 Veggie Soup Made Just for Kids! 🥕This cheesy veggie soup is the perfect way to sneak in some healthy veggies while making it fun and delicious for the little ones! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with colorful veggies. 🧀🌈 Ingredients:- 1 tablespoon olive oil- 1 small onion, finely chopped- 1 cup carrots, peeled and diced- 1 cup zucchini, diced- 1 cup sweet potato, peeled and diced- 1/2 cup frozen peas- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth- 1/2 cup whole milk (or non-dairy milk)- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese- 1 teaspoon dried oregano- Salt and pepper, to taste- Croutons or whole grain crackers (optional, for crunchInstructions:- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft.Add the carrots, zucchini, and sweet potato, and - cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.- Add the frozen peas and milk, stirring to combine. - Cook for an additional 5 minutes.- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can blend in batches using a regular blender.- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.- Season with oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.- Serve with croutons or crackers on the side for extra fun and crunch!#KidFriendlySoup #VeggiePower #HealthyEating #BuildingHealthyCommunities ... See MoreSee Less

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Building Healthy Communities

7 days ago

🥒 Happy National Pickle Day! 🥒Did you know pickles aren’t just a tasty snack—they’re also packed with benefits! Because they’re made from nutrient-rich veggies like cucumbers, carrots, and peppers, pickles offer vitamins, antioxidants, and probiotics (for those fermented types!) to support digestion and immune health.So go ahead and crunch into a dill or spice it up with some pickled veggies!#NationalPickleDay #VeggieBenefits #HealthySnacking #BuildingHealthyCommunities ... See MoreSee Less

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Building Healthy Communities

1 week ago

🌎 Happy World Kindness Day! 🌎Kindness has the power to change lives in the smallest, simplest ways. Today, let’s be intentional about spreading a little extra light—whether it’s a smile, a thoughtful message, or lending a hand. Every act counts! 💛✨Let’s make the world a little brighter, one kind act at a time. #WorldKindnessDay #ChooseKindness #SpreadLove #BuildingHealthyCommunities ... See MoreSee Less

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