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

Stay Connected with Social Media

Cover for Building Healthy Communities
104
Building Healthy Communities

Building Healthy Communities

Building Healthy Communities: Reducing Health Disparities in Elementary Schools

Breakfast is an important meal. Kids who eat breakfast do better in school because they are better behaved and perform better, the American Dietetic Association explains. They also have an easier time maintaining a healthy weight. Some parents may struggle with getting their kids to eat in the morning, but breakfast can be quick and painless. Some simple yet nutritious breakfast options include whole-grain cereal and low-fat milk, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or whole-grain toaster waffles with fresh fruit. #buildinghealthycommunities #BHC #breakfast ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
"Today is ‘Grilled Cheese Day’! Involve kids in the kitchen and make a healthy, whole grain grilled cheese sandwich together! Use a low-fat cheese and have them explore options to flavor it with tomato slices, red onion, and garlic or Italian seasoning! They’ll love to help create a healthyvmeal they’ll enjoy! #BHC #buildinghealthycommunities #milkmeansmore #GrilledCheese www.milkmeansmore.org/recipe/breakfast-grilled-cheese-sandwich/ " ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Smelling rosemary may increase alertness and improve memory so catch a whiff before a test or important meeting! #BHC #buildinghealthycommunities ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
All public, charter and private nonprofit schools in the state are encouraged to review the full program descriptions and eligibility information at www.bcbsm.com/buildhealth. Applications for all programs are due on June 30, 2024.• Step Up for School Wellness – Flexible to meet the diverse needs of school buildings across the state. This program provides a menu of healthy eating, physical activity and well-being resources that schools can choose one or more from to make their school environment healthier and create a culture of wellness. Apply at buildinghealthycommunities.arewehealthy.com. • Engaging Middle Schools through Project Healthy Schools –Creates a culture of wellness enabling middle school students to increase physical activity, eat healthier, and improve and understand mental health through classroom lessons specifically targeting 6thgraders. Applications can be found at projecthealthyschools.org/building-healthycommunities. • Reducing Health Disparities in Elementary Schools – Focused on addressing the social determinants of health that have contributed to wide disparities in many communities across Michigan and implements the program in all elementary school buildings within a school district simultaneously. If your district is interested in receiving the program, please visit bhcwsu.org/our-program/application-procedures/. ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Get FREE MILK in Your Schools with theCover the Milk GrantMichigan students get milk free with breakfast and lunch, but they have to pay for it if they just want it with their lunch from home. Ten Michigan schools have the opportunity to get free individual milk for the rest of the school year.Apply here! CovertheMilk.org ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook

BHC in Action

Send us a Note

© 2023 Building Healthy Communities. All Rights Reserved