Parents Celebrate Environmental Justice Successes
Parents and grandparents from Chicago’s Austin community gathered last week to celebrate the accomplishments of the Austin Environmental Health and Justice Project coordinated by HSC and COFI (Community Organizing and Family Issues) with the Austin Wide Parent Network.
For the last two years, 12 parents from this low-income African-American community worked with HSC staff to learn about the connection between learning, health and the school environment and then work together to make improvements in four schools. Through the project, parents were able to bring together teachers, administrators, custodians, nurses, and students to make schools healthier places for the community’s children. Parents also developed a learning tool, “Grandma Goes Green,” to spread messages about environmental health with peers and community leaders.
Parents explained that they decided to work on the project because of the tremendous health disparities and growing rates of childhood asthma that African-American communities such as Austin face. (The number of children suffering from asthma in Chicago’s African-American communities is more than double the national average.) Parents were also concerned over the health hazards that exist in older school buildings.
“Parents are the most invested people in a child’s life,” said Guillermo Gomez, HSC Chicago Director. “In this project we’ve seen their commitment and dedication in creating healthier environments at their local schools. The remarkable work they are doing will make a real difference for children’s health and provides a model for other parents striving to take action. ”
Gomez explained that the environmental justice work will continue even though the program is concluding. HSC’s intent was to bring knowledge about asthma triggers at schools and how these triggers affected children, and to empower parents to create change. Parents have begun to integrate these lessons into decisions at home and in other buildings throughout the neighborhood.
At the celebration hosted by COFI and HSC’s African-American Advisory Taskforce, representatives from other leading organizations including Power-Pac, Oprah’s Angel Network, Real Men Cook, and the University of Chicago, Power-Pac, came together to hear parent testimonials and celebrate their successes.
Plus: Check out HSC's blog to read a personal account of the celebration and a poem, Earth Mothers, written about the parents who took part in this project »
Help Change the Future of School Food - And Win!
School Food Memory Contest Closes in One Week
What is your most vivid memory of school food? For one more week, you can win some delicious prizes for yourself and your school when you put that memory into words, images or video, – while helping spread the word about efforts to make fresh, healthy school food the norm.
The Fresh Voices for Fresh Choices contest presented by HSC and Applegate Farms is in full swing, with more than 100 entries from contestants of all ages and from all around the U.S. ( Be sure to check out the fabulous student drawings!)
Adults can win a Panini party package from Applegate Farms and T-fal, while students can win a healthy, tasty breakfast for their school and see their winning entry printed on more than 50,000 grab-n-go breakfast bags from Notables.
All entries make an important difference as part of a collective voice to change the future of school food.
Attention, teachers and parents! Be sure your student artists use this breakfast bag template for sharing their memories through art.
Run for Healthy Schools!
HSC team welcomes new runners for Chicago Marathon
HSC's charity athletics team is welcoming new members to join us in running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon! As part of the team, you will make a difference for children’s health and well-being as you experience the excitement of competing in a world-class athletic event.
With fundraising requirements beginning at only $250, the HSC team offers an easy, fun way to make your marathon experience more meaningful – with great incentives and prizes along the way!
To learn more, be sure to visit HSC’s marathon website or contact Alicea Miller at 312-419-1810.
Who is running for HSC? Runners from around the country are making a difference for healthy schools! In each newsletter, we'll introduce another member of our team:
| Jennifer Mallo, running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon |
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"After running last year for Healthy Schools, I was hooked! It was an amazing experience to run through the city of Chicago and know the money I raised would help kids grow up in a healthier environment. Health, fitness and a clean environment are all things I want for my children, when I have some! Knowing it is for a good cause will keep me from giving up!"
Support Jennifer's run » |
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