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
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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
"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/ "
Smelling rosemary may increase alertness and improve memory so catch a whiff before a test or important meeting! #BHC #buildinghealthycommunities
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/.
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
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