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

Happy Earth Day! 🌍🌱 Today’s a reminder that this beautiful planet is our only home — and it’s up to all of us to protect it. Taking care of the Earth means taking care of our future. 💚Let’s show some love to the planet today (and every day) by: ✨ Picking up litter in your neighborhood🌿 Planting something green🚴‍♀️ Biking or walking instead of driving♻️ Recycling and reducing waste🛍️ Supporting sustainable brandsSmall actions add up — let’s make a difference together. #EarthDay #LoveTheEarth #SustainableLiving #BuildingHealthyCommunities ... See MoreSee Less
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🍽️ Tip sheet spotlight: Healthy Breakfasts for Kids!Focusing on the importance of a nutritious breakfast.🌞Growing bodies and developing brains need a strong start—kids who eat breakfast are more focused, energized, and ready to learn 💡📚. Skipping it can lead to fatigue, poor concentration, and overeating later in the day.💡 This tip sheet includes:- How to read Nutrition Facts labels- Easy breakfast prep tips- Fun, balanced meal ideas like banana dogs, breakfast tacos, and fruit + yogurt combos- On-the-go options for busy morningsLet’s help our kids fuel their day the right way—one healthy breakfast at a time! 🍌🥣#HealthyBreakfastMonth #TipSheetTuesday #FuelForFocus #HealthyHabitsForKids #BuildingHealthyCommunities ... See MoreSee Less
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Happy National Exercise Day! Moving your body doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym — it’s all about finding fun, simple ways to stay active every day!🏃‍♀️💪Why exercise?- Boosts energy- Improves mood- Supports heart health- Reduces stress- Strengthens muscles and bonesEasy ways to get moving today:✨ Take a walk during lunch🧹 Turn on music and dance while cleaning🪜 Take the stairs instead of the elevator🚲 Go for a bike ride🐾Play outside with your kids or petsEvery step counts. Let’s celebrate movement, no matter how small!#NationalExerciseDay #GetMoving #HealthyHabits #BuildingHealthyCommunities ... See MoreSee Less
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🍎✨ Snack time just got sweeter (and crunchier)! Make these Apple Sandwiches for a fun, healthy treat kids and grown-ups will love!Recipe:1 apple (any kind)2 tbsp cream cheese or peanut butterOptional: a sprinkle of granola or raisins- Core the apple and slice into round rings.- Spread cream cheese or peanut butter on one slice.- Sprinkle with granola or raisins if you’d like.- Top with another slice to make a sandwich!#HealthySnacks #KidFriendlyRecipes #AppleSandwiches #SnackHack #BuildingHealthyCommunities ... See MoreSee Less
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It’s National Banana Day — and what better way to celebrate than with a fun, healthy snack your kiddos will go bananas for? 🍌🙈Kid-Approved Banana Bites 🍌💛 3-Ingredient Banana Oat Bites:– 2 ripe bananas– 1 cup rolled oats– 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or raisinsMash the bananas, mix in the oats and add-ins, roll into small balls or flatten into cookies. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes — and boom, snack time is served! 🫶These are soft, naturally sweet, and perfect for little hands (and grown-up ones too). Great for lunchboxes, after school, or just a quick bite on the go. 🍌💫⠀⠀#NationalBananaDay #HealthySnacksForKids #BananaBites #EasyKidRecipes #BuildingHealthyCommunities ... See MoreSee Less
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