Here’s a round-up of highlights for April 2016:
Schools
Congratulations to the first Blue Zones Project Approved™ School in Fort Worth, M. H. Moore Elementary School! They will celebrate their achievement during a school event on April 21.
Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA) recently earned grant money that will be used to build a rooftop garden and a salad bar with a screen for health media. Congratulations to the students who were awarded the funds for competing in the Dannon Institute Girls for Tomorrow Program. Junior and Senior students from YWLA also participated in a March Purpose Workshop.
Many schools, including W. J. Turner Elementary School, celebrated National Nutrition Month by showcasing creative Plant Slant plates.
Individuals
Blue Zones Project is working with Fort Worth neighborhoods to launch a series of community kick-off events. Diamond Hill’s Community Kick-Off will take place April 21, from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. and will offer tons of family-friendly activities, games, live music, free food and entertainment for all ages. The Neighborhoods Team also participated in the Diamond Hill Community Easter Egg Hunt at M.H. Moore Elementary School last month. Thank you to Waves of Faith and M.H. Moore for allowing Blue Zones Project to participate in such a great event.
Worksites
Thank you to all the local businesses who attended the Employer Information Breakfast at Lou's Place at Texas Wesleyan University last month. If you are interested in learning how your organization can become involved with Blue Zones Project, save the date for the next Employer Information Breakfast on June 8!
The City of Fort Worth celebrated all 18 locations becoming Blue Zones Project Approved Worksites during Pre-Council on Tuesday, March 22. Site coordinators from each location were in attendance and recognized by Texas Health Resources CEO Barclay Berdan and Brian Dickerson, Director of Human Resources for City of Fort Worth. [Photo by Glenn Elman]
Congratulations to the Child Study Center, now an Approved Worksite! In addition to completing a series of well-being checklist items, Child Study Center supported an employee well-being advisory committee and encouraged the use of walking and/or standing meetings.
Built Environment
On May 3, the Complete Streets Policy and the Master Thoroughfare Plan update will be presented to Fort Worth City Council for approval. Complete Streets are streets designed for everyone to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities. Complete Streets make it easier to cross the street, walk to shops, and bicycle to work.
If you are interested in becoming part of the Blue Zones Project Action Force and learning more about Complete Streets, please join us for a one and a half hour training on April 18, 2016 at 3 p.m. Please contact BZPFWPolicy@healthways.com if you would like more information.
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Restaurants
Congratulations to the newest Blue Zones Project Approved™ Restaurant, Buffalo West! Be sure to visit them on Camp Bowie for healthy options, including veggie tacos and the grilled Portobello mushroom. Save the date for May 18, to celebrate their achievement! Find a complete list of Approved restaurants here, and view the Restaurant Guide to make the healthy choice the tasty choice when dining out.
You’re invited to this month’s Food, Friends & Flavonoids social on Wednesday, April 27, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurant, Pegaso Mexican Diner! Bring your family and friends to enjoy happy hour specials and Blue Zones inspired food samples.
Watch the latest Restaurant Video featuring Pegaso Mexican Diner!
Food Policy
On April 5, Fort Worth City Council voted on an unprecedented amendment to the mobile vending ordinance that will allow mobile fresh markets to sell whole uncut fruits and vegetables in residential areas. The changes support the Blue Zones Project initiative to bring fresh produce to residents in underserved areas.
Mobile fresh markets will be allowed to sell on vacant lots in commercial districts with permission of property owner. They will also be allowed to sell in residential zoning districts on a property used for nonresidential purposes, such as schools and churches, with permission from the school principal or church leader. Mobile fresh market vendors will be permitted to park in one place for up to 60 minutes.