Nutrition and Fitness Program
In 2007, a group of teens at the Center began the Health to Know Committee (H2K). They identified health problems in the Crotona section of the Bronx and decided to focus on the health crisis around diabetes and obesity. For two years, they worked with youth and families at the Center to help families make healthy decisions. They told people to “Eat one more Fruit and vegetable each day. H2K held a health fair and ran a Walk for Health, and the teens received training through many sources, including Hunter College Health Equity Project. The Center established a “Zero Tolerance for Crappy Food” policy to support their effort and began serving meals with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat milk. Children grew their food at a local community garden over the summer, and the Center sponsors a Farmers Market in the neighborhood. Once we get our kitchen certified by the Department of Health (DOH), community gardeners can make value-added products at the Center out of the food they grow. We continue to try to find ways to promote eating healthy food and regular exercise.
Health Initative
There are 5 components of the Mary Mitchell Health Initiative:
Healthy Lifestyle Policies
No junk food during events, take the stairs, and no Smoking near the building.
Healthy Activities
Workshops, Daily fitness classes, and healthy meals.
Family Health Challenge
An eight-week program in partnership with CIR to promote: water, low-fat milk, fruits/veggies, whole grains, proper portions, eating at home, and daily exercise.
Youth Leadership Fitness
Annual Walk for Health and Healthy Tremont.
Food Access
Fresh produce to purchase at La Familia Verde’s farmers market and La Canasta.