Here’s a round-up of highlights for March 2016:
Worksites
Congratulations to the newest Blue Zones Project Approved™ Worksite, the Ben E. Keith DFW office. This division is joining the Fort Worth general office in creating a healthy work environment.
If your company would like to join Ben E. Keith and is interested in becoming Blue Zones Project Approved, join us for a free Employer Information Breakfast on Wednesday, March 23, at Lou’s Place, located at Texas Wesleyan University. Click here for more information.
Schools
Walking School Buses will kick off this spring with six new participating schools, and four schools that are sustaining the Walking School Bus program.
The Blue Zones Project Schools Team introduced the first edition of the Blue Zones Project Bulletin Board, a digital newsletter to support school leaders in implementing the School Pledge. Many schools have started the Approval process by submitting validation documents and earning points on the Blue Zones School Pledge.
Built Environment
Thanks to AARP, City of Fort Worth staff and key developers attended a training on Complete Streets to ensure that everyone has a thorough understanding of new procedures for incorporating Complete Streets into road projects at various stages in the planning and design process.
The Complete Streets Policy and the Master Thoroughfare Plan will be presented to Fort Worth City Council for approval in April. Complete Streets are streets built for users of all ages and abilities and all modes of transportation, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit. Complete Streets (much like the after photo shown on Park Place) make it easier to cross the street, walk to shops, and bicycle to work.
Restaurants
Congratulations to the newest Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurant, Feastivities! In addition to providing healthy catering options, Feastivities offers Blue Zones® inspired items on their lunch menu. We’re also pleased to announce the first food truck in Fort Worth to offer Blue Zones inspired menu items, Zatar Food Truck! Follow them on Facebook to see their weekly schedule.
You’re invited to this month’s Food, Friends & Flavonoids social on Wednesday, March 23, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurant, La Perla Negra! Bring your family and friends to enjoy happy hour specials and Blue Zones inspired food samples.
Did you know Blue Zones Project Approved restaurants, Fixture Kitchen and Social Lounge, Terra Mediterranean Grill, and Los Vaqueros offer a separate Blue Zones Project Menu? Next time you visit, be sure to ask for the Blue Zones menu for delicious, healthy options. Find a complete list of Approved restaurants here, and view the Restaurant Guide to make the healthy choice the tasty choice when dining out.
Watch the latest Restaurant Video featuring Los Vaqueros!
Grocery
The Fiesta Mart at 4245 East Berry Street is now working toward becoming a Blue Zones Project Approved Grocery Store. You’ll soon see small changes being incorporated at this Southeast Fort Worth store to make healthy choices easier for shoppers. Blue Zones Project and the Blue Zones Project Approved Grocery Store, Carnival, were featured on NBC Channel 5. If you missed it, watch the clip here to see Blue Zones Project’s progress after one year in the community.
Food Policy
On April 5, Fort Worth City Council will vote on two ordinances that would allow mobile fresh markets and produce carts to sell whole uncut fruits and vegetables in residential areas. The proposed changes support the Blue Zones Project initiative to bring fresh produce to residents in underserved areas. Mobile fresh markets would also be allowed to sell on vacant lots in commercial districts with permission of property owner and 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 and as an on-street vendor.
Individuals
We’re excited to announce our first Blue Zones Project Faith-Based Participating Organization: City Life Center! The City Life Center leadership and congregation are paving the way for other faith-based organizations in the community. There are now multiple faith-based communities working toward becoming Participating Organizations. This spring and summer Blue Zones Project will be hosting neighborhood events in the Central North, East, and Southeast areas of Fort Worth. Stayed tuned for more information coming soon.