Congratulations Newman Center Hawai’i!
We would like to congratulate Newman Center Hawaiʻi for becoming a Blue Zones Project Approved™ faith-based organization this Spring. For the past year, Newman Center Hawaiʻi has continued to boost its wellness programming to integrate Blue Zones Project® for the benefit of the parish, including the Catholic student community at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
Newman Center Hawai'i with their brand new Blue Zones Project Approved faith-based organization banner.
In addition to creating a health council to spearhead well-being initiatives, the church began implementing small changes that tied into the interests of members. One of the most recognizable and celebrated changes has been the growing array of plant-based food. Pastoral Administrator Christopher Malano shared that, “Being a university campus ministry, we usually have food at our socials and events. One of the things we've implemented is to always have plant-based options at every meal. It's inspiring to hear people discussing what Blue Zones Project-inspired dish they are thinking of bringing to share”. Alyce Dodge, Pastoral Assistant, also added that, “About eight of our students are vegetarian and really appreciated the plant-based food choices. Even the hard-core meat eaters enjoyed home-cooked vegetarian lasagna and other dishes every week this past school year. We have also been noticing some younger children who consistently choose the veggie platter, even when tempting sugary foods are on adjacent tables.”
Members enjoying a plant-slant meal at the approval celebration.
During the Season of Creation, and in celebration of Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ which honors the environment, members found that several of the environmentally-friendly initiatives at the church aligned with Blue Zones Project nudges. These initiatives included cultivating a community garden, hosting plant-based dinners, launching a Sunday morning walking moai, encouraging members to bike to church and offering volunteer opportunities. Student cooks even began adding oregano, rosemary, green onions and mint from the garden to meals that they prepared for weekly Sunday dinners. Moving forward, members continue to partake in mindfulness and silent prayer programs, intramural sports on campus, community-building retreats and annual family fun events such as the Newman Fun Run/Walk and the Fall Welcome Picnic.
Newman Fun Run/Walk on January 26, 2019.
Having champions within the church have made implementing lifestyle changes more seamless, and members have thanked the health council, student volunteers and parish leadership for making the healthy choice, the easy choice. Father Alfred Guerrero stated, “Learning about the Blue Zones Project has made me aware of the lifestyle changes I needed to make for my well-being and longevity. I did have a grandma who lived till she was 96 and most of the Power 9 longevity lessons were part of her life. As we look ahead, my vision for the church is to continue integrating this model of well-being in the lives of the parishioners through promotion, literature, and activities throughout the year.”
Members connecting and celebrating at Newman Center Hawai'i.
Congratulations Newman Center!
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Learn more at hawaii.bluezonesproject.com
