Rural community foundation in Michigan's Upper Peninsula responds to local health report with sustainable food initiative for area youth

HOUGHTON, Michigan (September 10, 2014) Upper Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula boasts some of the Midwest's most serene landscapes, freshest air, record-breaking snowfalls, and the world's largest Great Lake. Everything about the Keweenaw area appears healthy and peaceful. However, a recent report released by the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department included startling lifestyle statistics on its local communities:

Approximately 25% of area children live below the poverty line

40% of local teens are overweight or obese

In response to this report, Keweenaw Community Foundation (KCF) Executive Director Barb Rose created a plan to promote healthy eating in the local schools. Set to launch this fall, the Sustainable Food Initiative includes a collaboration of community volunteers, public schools, local farmers, and K-12 students and teachers. The pilot program aims to improve children's long-term health status by teaching kids how to grow, prepare and appreciate natural fruits and vegetables, accomplished through in-class nutritional instruction, hands-on gardening and food preparation, and of course, lots of tasting. Long-term storage methods, such as canning and freezing for our extended U.P. winters, are also included in the curriculum. This experience will allow children and families to grow and prepare healthy foods that taste great, and to understand the nutritional value.

"Improved health of area kids is the cultural capital of our community," Barb Rose states. "There is some urgency to change eating behaviors and preferences. We can accomplish this by simply presenting kids with new tastes and fresher, healthier options."

During the planning process, KCF realized two other great benefits; raising community awareness of local food producers, and farmers' increased awareness of local demand for their produce. The Sustainable Food Initiative could have positive repercussions not just for the health of area children, but for local economic health as well.

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