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.”

β€”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!”

β€”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.”

β€”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.”

β€”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.”

β€”Fifth Grade Student

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Building Healthy Communities

Building Healthy Communities

Building Healthy Communities: Reducing Health Disparities in Elementary Schools

Role Model Moment πŸ’‘Kids are always watchingβ€”so show them how to handle emotions in a healthy way! πŸ’› Whether it’s taking deep breaths, using β€œI” statements, or stepping away to cool down, modeling emotional regulation teaches them lifelong coping skills. 🌿✨ Let’s lead by example and help them build resilience! πŸ’ͺ#RoleModelMoment #LeadByExample #EmotionalWellness #HealthyCoping #BuildingHealthyCommunities ... See MoreSee Less
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Go green this St. Patrick’s Day with some nutritious and festive snacks! πŸ₯‘πŸ₯’πŸ₯¦ Try avocado toast, spinach smoothies, cucumber hummus bites, or a kiwi & Greek yogurt parfait! Or snack on green apples, grapes, pears, limes, broccoli, kale, zucchini, snap peas, edamame, and bell peppers! 🌿🍏πŸ₯πŸ₯— Eating healthy has never been so lucky! ✨ #EatGreen #HealthyStPatricksDay #LuckyEats #BuildingHealthyCommunities ... See MoreSee Less
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Happy National Pi Day! πŸ₯§Who says you can’t celebrate Pi (3.14) with a healthy twist? This No-Bake Greek Yogurt Fruit Pie is sweet, creamy, and packed with proteinβ€”because math + pie = the perfect combo! πŸ€©πŸ“πŸ“Œ Healthy No-Bake Pie Recipe:πŸ₯„ 1 pre-made graham cracker crust (or homemade with crushed oats + honey)πŸ₯„ 1 Β½ cups Greek yogurt (vanilla or plain)πŸ₯„ 2 tbsp honey or maple syrupπŸ₯„ 1 tsp vanilla extractπŸ₯„ 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)✨ Mix yogurt, honey, and vanilla, then spread into the crust.✨ Top with fresh berries & chill for 1 hour.✨ Slice & enjoy a healthy Pi Day treat! #PiDay #HealthyPie #EasyRecipes #BuildingHealthyCommunities ... See MoreSee Less
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Apple Sandwiches – The Perfect School Snack! πŸ₯ͺ✨Back-to-school snacking just got an upgrade! These Apple Sandwiches are crunchy, sweet, and packed with fiber & protein to keep kiddos fueled all day. 🍎πŸ’ͺ🍏πŸ₯œ Recipe:πŸ‘‰ Slice an apple into roundsπŸ‘‰ Spread peanut butter (or any nut-free alternative)πŸ‘‰ Sprinkle granola & raisins/chocolate chipsπŸ‘‰ Stack & enjoy!#HealthySnacks #BackToSchool #KidApproved #EasyRecipes #BuildingHealthyCommunities ... See MoreSee Less
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Wellness Wednesday: Snack Swap Challenge! ✨🌿Ditch the processed snacks and fuel your body with something nourishing! This #WellnessWednesday, we challenge YOU to swap one of your usual snacks for a healthier alternative. 🍎πŸ₯‘πŸ₯œπŸ‘‰ Try swapping:❌ Chips ➑️ βœ… Air-popped popcorn❌ Candy ➑️ βœ… Dark chocolate + almonds❌ Sugary granola bars ➑️ βœ… Greek yogurt + berriesLet’s snack smarter together! πŸ’š #SnackSwapChallenge #HealthyHabits #MindfulEating #BuildingHealthyCommunities ... See MoreSee Less
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