Here’s a round-up of highlights for November 2015:
Built Environment Policy
Four Fort Worth ISD schools have been identified as pilot schools for a Safe Routes to School master plan. Last month, W.J. Turner and Diamond Hill elementary conducted walking audits around their school to help identify barriers to walking and biking to school. City staff representing different departments, Bike Friendly Fort Worth, Tarrant County Public Health, neighborhood leaders and school faculty and staff participated in the audits.
Food Policy
Blue Zones Project is presenting Just Eat It: A Food Waste Story at The Modern Art Museum on November 7 at 2:00 p.m. Just Eat It is a 74-minute documentary about food waste and food rescue. Filmmakers and food lovers, Jen and Grant dive into the issue of waste from farm, through retail, all the way to the back of their own fridge. Admission is free and open to the public. Seating is limited.
Worksites
Tarrant County Community College is playing an integral role in improving the well-being of their faculty, staff, students, and community. Each of the campuses is working toward becoming a Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite. We are excited to announce that TCC South Campus is the first to become Approved. Stay tuned for more TCC campus updates and approvals.
Last month, Blue Zones Project kicked off their partnership with Lockheed Martin during their “Connect and Engage” Health and Safety event for employees. Mayor Betsy Price and leadership from Lockheed Martin announced the initiative and encouraged employee support and involvement.
Grocery
At Blue Zone Project Approved grocery stores: Central Market, Fiesta Mart and Carnival, you’ll find delicious Blue Zones® food items throughout the store, and when you’re ready to check out, you’ll find healthy items at the Blue Zones Checkout Lanes right at your (or your children’s) fingertips!
In partnership with the TCU Dietetics and Nutrition Program, we are collaborating on a project for senior students to help create a “Healthy Grocery Store Tour” curriculum.
Individuals
The Neighborhoods Team is continuing their outreach throughout Fort Worth and partnering with leaders from Central North and East Fort Worth to create an engagement plan to reach these areas. The team is also working with different chaplain groups throughout Fort Worth to engage Faith-Based Organizations. If you would like your neighborhood or faith-based organization to become involved with the Blue Zones Project please contact Jessica Latchaw at Jessica.Latchaw@healthways.com.
Restaurants
Congratulations to the newest Blue Zones Project Approved restaurants, Byblos Mediterranean, Fixture, and Pegaso Mexican Diner! With 15 restaurants now Blue Zones Project Approved, it’s easier than ever to make healthy choices when dining out. Click here to see the complete list and view the Restaurant Guide complete with available Blue Zones Project menu items at each location.
Schools
The Blue Zones Project supported eight Walking School Bus launches with FWISD elementary schools including De Zavala, Christene C. Moss, W.J. Turner, East Handley, M.H. Moore, Oakhurst, Diamond Hill, and Lily B. Clayton. The community goal for Blue Zones Project is to initialize Walking School Buses within 27 Fort Worth schools. If you would like more information: email bzpfwschools@healthways.com.
In an effort to promote healthy eating at school tailgating events, the Schools Team worked with FitWorth and Fort Worth ISD to host the first ever Fit Foods Face-Off Healthy Tailgate Competition on October 23. South Hills’ Culinary Arts Academy students and Trimble Tech’s Culinary Arts students presented a healthy tailgate featuring menu items that met the Blue Zones Healthy Dish Guidelines.
[Photo: Walking School Bus Launch at Fort Worth ISD Elementary School, W.J. Turner]
Participating Organizations
Blue Zones Project is partnering with organizations across Fort Worth to create healthier environments where we live, work, and play. Several organizations have completed the Organization Checklist and last month we celebrated the first HOA to become a Participating Organization, Texas & Pacific Lofts.
This month, Participating Organization, the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is hosting an upcoming Networking Mixer on November 12 where people can network and learn more about the Blue Zones Project. RSVP here to join us at Blue Zones Project Approved restaurant, Los Vaqueros.