News and Updates
Find all the latest news on how people are helping their communities be healthier.
Minneapolis residents invited to share their stories in the Making it Better Challenge (Press Release, September 30, 2011) (PDF)
Every day, Minneapolis residents are making changes to create healthier communities by providing greater access to healthy food or more opportunities for physical activity. The Making it Better campaign brings people together to discover and celebrate the stories of these residents. Now, community members can share what they are doing to make their schools, neighborhoods or workplaces healthier by entering the Making it Better Challenge. Participants can win weekly prizes, and one story will be chosen as part of a new set of advertisements showing how people are making it better in their community.
Olmsted County Residents Invited to Enter “Making it Better Challenge” (Press Release, September 30, 2011) (PDF)
Every day, residents of Olmsted County are making changes to create healthier communities. Now, community members can share their stories by entering the Making it Better Challenge and sharing how they make it better where we live, work, learn or play. And, one story will be part of a new set of advertisements showing how people are “making it better” in their community.
Celebrate Food Day, October 24, 2011, by joining students, community members, and Making it Better at the University of Minnesota’s Food Expo (8am – 5pm at the Coffman Memorial Union). The Food Expo will showcase University-affiliated and community-led food and health programming, like our CPPW projects, that promote healthy communities through increased access to good food and physical activity opportunities. Click here (PDF) for more information.
Making it Better Initiative Launches in Minneapolis (Press Release, August 22, 2011) (PDF)
…”When individuals, organizations and schools come together, they can make a big impact on creating a healthier Minneapolis,” said Minneapolis Health Commissioner Gretchen Musicant. “When everybody has the opportunity to eat healthy, fresh foods and enjoy places to play and be active, our city flourishes.”
Making it Better Initiative Launches in Olmsted County (Press Release, August 22, 2011) (PDF)
…”Healthy communities promote a culture of health and active living,” said Kari Etrheim, Health Education Manager at Olmsted County Public Health. “Everyone can contribute to ensuring members of our community have access to fresh foods and opportunities to be active where we live, learn, work and play.”
How to Be a Good Home Nutrition ‘Director’ (Star Tribune, August 20, 2011)
In many households, one person is in charge of food shopping — and has lots of power. Here are some tips to do the job well…
Bike programs progress: A roundup of local efforts to promote biking (Twin Cities Daily Planet, August 17, 2011)
Dacia Durham is a star—along with other members of the Major Taylor Bicycling Club of Minnesota. Their photos are on bus stop signs and in ads for the “Bike. Walk. Move.” campaign.
University of Minnesota, Morris students track benefits of the Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) (University of Minnesota Morris News, August 17, 2011)
Since last September 2010, University of Minnesota, Morris students have been evaluating community-based projects designed to improve nutrition and physical activity among residents in Todd, Morrison, and Wadena counties as part of the Minnesota Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP).
7-mile Bassett Creek trail planned (Star Tribune, August 16, 2011)
Three Rivers Park District is wrapping up planning for the Bassett Creek Regional Trail, which will wind seven miles through the northwest suburbs, linking those cities to the growing network of walking and biking trails that crisscross Hennepin County.
14 Minnesota farmers’ markets now accept food stamps (Pioneer Press, August 5, 2011)
Fourteen farmers’ markets in Minnesota can now sell their produce to people on food stamps. To make nutritious foods and homegrown produce more accessible to a low-income clientele, the markets now can accept federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payment cards electronically.
“Bike Walk Move” Campaign Promotes Twin Cities Bicycling, Walking (Press release, July 18, 2011)
As part of a multi-year effort to enhance bicycling and walking in the Twin Cities as transportation options, Bike Walk Twin Cities and the Minneapolis Department of Health and Family Support (MDHFS) have launched a communications campaign, “Bike Walk Move,” to build public support for bicycling and walking, draw attention to multiple community infrastructure investments, and promote community health and wellness.
Women Bike More in Minneapolis (Star Tribune, July 12, 2011)
There’s been a lot of head scratching lately on the question of why women don’t bike as much as men…
Innovative Public Health Program Faces the Ax (Star Tribune, July 3, 2011)
In just two years, the Statewide Health Improvement Program has attacked obesity and tobacco use among Minnesotans with more vigor and focus than any state program in the past decade, supporters say.
