Building Healthy Communities

Reducing Health Disparities in Elementary Schools

Building Healthy Communities is a school-based program focused on addressing the social determinants of health that have contributed to wide disparities in many communities across Michigan.

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

Building Healthy Communities

Building Healthy Communities: Reducing Health Disparities in Elementary Schools

🥦🍆 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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🌟 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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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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🥒 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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🌎 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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