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December 2018
Coalition learns about new agenda
Members of the Healthi Kids Coalition on Dec. 12 got a first look at the Healthi Kids' new Advocacy Agenda.
In development for the past nine months, the advocacy agenda maps out Healthi Kids' future work. It calls for Healthi Kids to promote play and equitable communities. It champions greater access to kids' services. It calls for happy, healthy and supportive learning environments. We will share more on the advocacy agenda in the New Year.
Convened twice a year, the coalition guides the Healthi Kids initiative. Its 60 members include residents and representatives of schools, nonprofits, health care and neighborhoods. At the December meeting, coalition members shared updates on their work. Staff presented awards to several advocates.
Healthi Kids presented Jesse Knoth (shown above) with a Healthy Communities Champion award. Knoth is president of the South East Area Coalition (SEAC). He was a Play BEST Action Team founding member. This year Knoth helped to secure funds to expand farmers' market participation. He also is working to better mark routes to play. Knoth spearheaded a playful sidewalks project in the South Wedge with the South Clinton Business Association. A longtime cyclist, he has advocated for complete streets infrastructure.
Staff also announced an advocacy award for Emma Morrison (center), president of Unity NE Neighborhood Coalition. She has hosted PlayROCs Your Neighborhood play days at the Carter Street R-Center. She has spoken with City Council many times about the importance of play. Miss Emma alone collected more than 500 signatures for Healthi Kids' "Put Kids First in the Comprehensive Plan" petition.
Healthi Kids named Finger Lakes Eat Smart New York a Healthy Schools Champion. This group of nutrition and physical activity educators has spent many hours sharing their knowledge in fun and experimental ways. They work in the Rochester City School District schools and schools across the Finger Lakes. They have partnered with Healthi Kids to eliminate unhealthy marketing to students and create healthy nutrition environments in schools.
Farm to school funds announced
New York is giving funds to schools and groups to increase access to local fruits and vegetables. Congratulations to those getting funds.
Foodlink, the regional food hub, will receive $66,936. It will use the money to improve food safety protocols and hire and train additional staff. The staff will work in the value-added processing center, which slices local apples for schoolchildren.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Wayne County will receive $100,000. It will work with ten school districts to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables. It will do this through healthy recipes and food experiences.
In addition to funding, the New York State departments of Education and Agriculture and Markets released New York Grown reimbursement guidelines. These guidelines let school food authorities know what purchases are eligible for an increase in school reimbursement.
Healthi Kids has been part of the state Farm to School Workgroup that advocated for the changes seen in the guidelines. For details, contact Hannah Shippee at Hannah.Shippee@Commongroundhealth.org or call 585-224-3152.
On our blog
Through the Drive 2B Better campaign, we are promoting complete streets to improve safety for all road users.
10 Minute Walk to Park effort continuing
Do you live within a 10-minute walk of a safe and accessible park?
Healthi Kids has been supporting the City of Rochester's efforts to make sure the answer is yes.
This year the National Recreation and Park Association selected Rochester for a "10-Minute Walk to Park" grant. The $40,000 grant helps cities to increase access to safe, high-quality parks.
This summer the city surveyed residents to find out what makes it easy or difficult to access their local parks. The city has selected five pilot sites: J.R. Wilson, Don Samuel Torres, Tacoma, Pulaski and Jones Square parks for park activation projects in the spring.
Rochester will work with interns from St. John Fisher College's sustainability program to move the work forward.
Spotlight on Kids Farmers Markets
On tight budgets, families may hesitate to buy anything new and different, even if it is healthier. That is why the Food Bank of the Southern Tier runs the Kids' Farmers Market program. The market allows kids to "shop" for vegetables of their own choosing. These farmers markets take place at Summer Meal sites and at after-school programs. Learn more.
Get involved
During 2018, Healthi Kids organized 12 different workgroups with 192 participants. There are plenty of ways to get involved right now including:
Corridor of Play - This is an interactive outdoor play trail connecting the Strong Museum of Play with the Central Library. Volunteers are needed for the planning committee. They are also needed for a community engagement workgroup, a youth design team and an infrastructure team.
Out of School Time Advocacy Day - Greater Rochester After School Alliance will advocate in Albany Jan. 24 for funding for afterschool programming. Additional advocates are needed.
PlayROCs Advocacy - The workgroup is continuing to advocate for kids and play to be included in the city's Comprehensive Plan 2034.
To learn more, contact Hannah Shippee at Hannah.shippee@commongroundhealth.org or call 585-224-3152.
Fresh food movement growing in corner stores
We love the fresh fruits and vegetables on display at the Garden Market on Plymouth Ave. Healthi Kids provided the shelving. It also encouraged the market to explore providing the produce to customers.
Now fresh food greets customers as they walk in the door. Fruit marketing posters are on the walls. Way to go!
To learn more, contact Mike Bulger at mike.bulger@commongroundhealth.org or call 585-224-3171.
Try sled hockey
Try out sled hockey for free this winter. Rochester Accessible Adventures will lead inclusive sled hockey clinics. Gear is provided. All abilities are welcome. Upcoming sessions are 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 12, 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 16, and 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. Mar. 16 at the Genesee Valley Sports Complex, 131 Elmwood Ave. For details, call 585-428-7888.
Safe routes to parks
What do we mean when we talk about Safe Routes to Parks? Clearly marked routes and neighborhood engagement are among the elements of safe routes to parks. Learn more in this infographic.
In the headlines:
WXXI News - Connections: Discussing free-range parenting and unstructured play
Reconnect Rochester blog - Complete Streets series: A Neighborhood Intersection Transformed
Find us on social media for more Healthi Kids updates as we advocate for healthier more active kids in Rochester and Monroe County. Tell us your vision for a Playable Rochester #PlayROCs
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