Here’s a round-up of highlights for February 2016:
WorksitesCongratulations to the newest Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksites, the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T), and Satori Capital. The Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau has participated in the Moai program – encouraging walking and healthy potlucks – in addition to hosting a Cooking Demonstration to achieve this designation. Read their recent blog post about the Blue Zones Personal Pledge. The T recently held four kick-off meetings encouraging employees to sign the Blue Zones Personal Pledge. Satori Capital has long included wellness programs in their work environment and has further enhanced them with Blue Zones Project initiatives. Read this blog post submitted by Satori Capital colleague and her experience with Moais (community groups).
Food Policy
On March 9, the City of Fort Worth will conduct a public hearing on the amendments to City Code and the zoning ordinance to allow mobile fresh markets and produce carts to sell fruits and vegetables. City Council is scheduled to vote on April 5. The proposed changes support the Blue Zones Project initiative to bring fresh produce to residents in underserved areas.
Produce carts would be allowed to sell on vacant lots in nonresidential districts with permission of property owner and in residential zoning districts on property used for nonresidential purposes such as schools and churches with permission from school principal or church leader. Mobile fresh market vendors would be permitted to function as a transient vendor in one place for up to 60 minutes and as an on-street vendor.
Individuals
The Neighborhoods Team is excited to see so much participation from faith-based organizations. City Life Center Church is the first Blue Zones Project Approved Faith-Based Organization, and other organizations such as Lighthouse Methodist Church are leading the way as well. City Life Church's Pastor Tim Woody has been an integral partner in this process through sharing his passion for the City of Fort Worth and hosting an extremely successful and engaging Purpose Workshop for his congregation.
Congratulations to all of the participants in the City of Fort Worth Neighborhood Awards last month. We were proud to support Blue Zones Project Participating Organizations and are looking forward to reaching more neighborhoods this month. Representatives from the Neighborhoods Team will be attending the District 6 Alliance Potluck to enhance visibility in South/Southwest Fort Worth.
Grocery
Kroger at 12600 North Beach Street in far north Fort Worth had a fantastic Approval celebration complete with giveaways from 105.3 The Fan radio station, Blue Zones Hunger Bags available for purchase for Souper Bowl of Caring, Blue Zones Approved food samples from restaurants working toward Approval status, Elote and Oliva; and dog adoptions.
Approved grocery store Central Market is partnering with Blue Zones Project to host a Meatless Meals Cooking Class at their Cooking School on February 28. Learn more about Blue Zones Project, a community-wide well-being improvement initiative, and enjoy a hands-on experience in making vegetarian meals.
Schools
Blue Zones Project encourages adults and children to walk year-round. We’re excited to be launching more Walking School Buses this spring in partnership with organizations such as American Heart Association, Tarrant County Voices for Health, TCU, and Texas A&M Agrilife Extension – Tarrant County. Schools will need trained volunteers to participate. Contact bzpfwschools@healthways.com if you would like to assist.
Academic testing season is upon us, and that can cause anxiety and stress for students and teachers alike. Blue Zones Project pilot high schools like Paschal High School, Polytechnic High School, and the Young Women’s Leadership Academy are gearing up to schedule Purpose Workshop classes for faculty, staff, juniors, and seniors.
Restaurants
Congratulations to the newest Blue Zones Project Approved restaurants: Café Modern and VIVO 53! Grab your friends to celebrate Café Modern making healthy choices easier at our monthly Food, Friends & Flavonoids social on February 18, at 5:30 p.m. Be sure to join us on February 24 for another restaurant celebration at VIVO 53 in downtown Fort Worth. Both events will feature the restaurants’ new Blue Zones menu items, happy hour specials, and provide an opportunity to connect with your Right Tribe over Wine@Five.
Find a complete list of Approved restaurants here, and view the Restaurant Guide to make the healthy choice the tasty choice when dining out.