The Hands-On Approach in Healthy Living

Healthy Living community leaders and organizations who understand and advocate the “big picture” of improving health and sustainability in their communities are often finding that a hands-on approach is one of the most effective ways to get the message across.

The California Endowment Coachella Valley Health Initiative

A tobacco prevention summit for youth leadership is on the calendar for South Sacramento, and a community forum hosted by the Coachella Valley Health Initiative will be held in Coachella. Both are part of the program for The California Endowment. The California Endowment is a statewide, private foundation aiming for healthier communities and greater access to health care. Their mission is certainly far-reaching in purpose and geographically, but this organization is using a wide variety of approaches to affect as many people as possible, many of which include face-to-face forums and discussions. Of course, it is up to each individual to decide that they want to be a part of the healthy living discussion. The California Endowment is providing the programming and resources to encourage individuals to do just that.

Food Bank for New York City CookShop Program

The Food Bank for New York City is using the hands-on approach to steer low-income families toward better nutrition.Their CookShop program teaches children and adults how to cook, shop for healthy items on a budget, and enjoy healthier foods. Schools sign up for the program for their students, and parents then have the opportunity to participate in a class additional to those aimed at children. With this program, families gain the hands-on experience of preparing healthy meals and making better choices while shopping, tools that may greatly affect their future choices. It seems that programs of this sort can be very effective in the long term, as they put the message into action.

Atlanta Local Food Initiative (ALFI)

Community gardens are part of the plan for the Atlanta Local Food Initiative (ALFI). ALFI’s strategy to promote local,sustainable food in Atlanta covers everything from policy initiatives to Farm-to-School programs. But this organization recognizes that the community must be active and included in order for their message to be successful, and that big change often starts on a small scale. Community gardens are a way to enable participation in the local food movement from those who might not otherwise be involved.

While corporate programs, legislation, regulation, and media attention can go a long way toward enabling and encouraging healthy lifestyles for Americans, the path to healthy living must actively involve those who ultimately make the choice to change their nutrition habits or exercise more or give up unhealthy habits. Thankfully many organizations are taking note of the need for community programs and local action, while still holding on to their large-scale goals and initiatives. It is encouraging to see such a wide array of approaches to hands-on efforts for healthy living, many of which are tailored to what works best for each community or for each specific goal.

If you would like to learn more about creative collaboration possibilities that include an enduring and distinctive social purpose for your company, please contact Healthy Living Marketing at (301) 378-0384.

Tags: Atlanta Local Food Initiative (ALFI), California Endowment, Coachella Valley Health Initiative, CookShop Program, health and sustainability, healthier communities, healthy living, Healthy Living Marketing, New York Food Bank