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

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

Instead of eating straight from the bag or box, ta

Mindful eating and movement are about being presen

It’s apple season! What better way to celebrate

This month, we’re focusing on MyPlate and mindfu

Mindfulness is a powerful tool to help you be more

September is here! The Building Healthy Communiti

Happy Labor Day from BHC! This holiday marks the o

Welcome back to school! Check out these tips to ma

This no cook recipes only takes 20 minutes to prep

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Building Healthy Communities

Building Healthy Communities: Reducing Health Disparities in Elementary Schools

Building Healthy Communities

1 day ago

🥒 Healthy Tip: Cucumber Edition! 🥒 This November, we're spotlighting fruits and veggies that keep us hydrated, refreshed, and feeling our best. Cucumbers are over 95% water, making them a fantastic choice for hydration and skin health! They’re also packed with antioxidants, vitamin K, and fiber to support digestion and reduce inflammation. 💡 Try This: Add cucumber slices to water with a hint of lemon or mint for a refreshing twist, or toss them into salads for extra crunch and nutrients.Let’s give our bodies some love with simple, wholesome choices! 🌱#HealthyTip #CucumberEdition #FruitsAndVeggies #NovemberWellness #BuildingHealthyCommunities ... See MoreSee Less

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Building Healthy Communities

2 days ago

November is World Diabetes Month 🌍💙A time to raise awareness, share knowledge, and support those living with diabetes. This month, let's unite for change, education, and compassion. Whether you're managing diabetes yourself or supporting someone who is, remember you're not alone.Here are some helpful resources to learn more and get support:🔹 American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org): Offers guidance on managing diabetes, research updates, and advocacy opportunities.🔹 Beyond Type 1 (beyondtype1.org): A community-focused resource providing inspiring stories, educational tools, and resources for those living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.🔹 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov/diabetes): Provides information on prevention, statistics, and living well with diabetes.Together, we can create a world that understands diabetes better and works toward a healthier future for#diabetesawarenessa#WorldDiabetesMonthl#diabetessupportD#buildinghealthycommunitieslthyCommunities ... See MoreSee Less

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Building Healthy Communities

5 days ago

🎉 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 ... See MoreSee Less

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Building Healthy Communities

6 days ago

Healthy & Safe Halloween 🍬Let's make sure today we keep in mind our health and safety! Here are some tips to enjoy the festivities while keeping it safe and healthy for everyone. 👻✨1. Choose Healthier Treats: Consider offering healthier alternatives to traditional candy. Options like popcorn, fruit skewers, or dark chocolate can be fun and satisfying! You can even get creative with spooky fruit and veggie designs. 🍏🕷️2. Stay Hydrated: With all the excitement, it’s easy to forget to drink water! Encourage your little ghouls and goblins to stay hydrated, especially if they're out trick-or-treating. Carry water bottles or plan to have healthy drinks available at home. 💧🥤3. Plan Safe Outings: When heading out for trick-or-treating, always choose well-lit streets and stay in groups. Remind children to be cautious when crossing roads and to check for traffic. 🛑👣4. Mind Your Portions: After a night of trick-or-treating, it's tempting to indulge in candy. Encourage kids to enjoy their treats mindfully—perhaps even set aside a few favorites and donate the rest! This way, they can savor their treats while practicing moderation. 🍭⚖️Wishing everyone a fun, safe, and healthy Halloween! 🎃🍬#ThemeThursday #HealthyHalloween #SafeCelebration #MindfulEating #HalloweenFun #BuildingHealthyCommunities ... See MoreSee Less

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Building Healthy Communities

1 week ago

🌼 Wellness Wednesday 🌼Why is Gratitude Important? Practicing gratitude has been shown to improve mental health, reduce stress, and increase feelings of happiness. It shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have, fostering a positive mindset. 🌈Mindfulness plays a crucial role in mindful eating, as both practices encourage awareness and presence in the moment. By cultivating gratitude, you can enhance your eating experiences, appreciating the flavors and nourishment of your food. Mindful eating involves savoring each bite, recognizing hunger and fullness cues, and reducing distractions—much like the focus required in a gratitude practice.Mindfulness Tip: Take a few moments today to reflect on three things you’re grateful for. These can be big or small—like a supportive friend, a delicious meal, or simply enjoying a sunny day. Write them down in a journal or share them with someone to deepen the experience. 📓💕#WellnessWednesday #Gratitude #Mindfulness #HealthyHabits #Positivity #BuildingHealthyCommunities ... See MoreSee Less

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