Creating Healthy Schools & Communities, funded by the NYS Department of Health, is a five year grant effort utilizing a coordinated, multi-sector approach to increase demand for and access to healthy, affordable foods and opportunities for daily physical activity to reduce the risk of chronic disease in high-need communities and school districts.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County is the local awardee serving the city school districts of Niagara Falls and Lackawanna. Each superintendent has signed a memorandum of understanding and support. The school component will focus on easing the burden of schools trying to meet state and federal nutrition, physical activity, and local wellness policy requirements. The overall goal is to create a culture of wellness in each school district. This could include but is not limited to:

• School gardening and farm to school initiatives

• Healthy vending, fundraising, celebrations

• Increase access to healthy, affordable foods

• Nutrition education, healthy advertising

• Safe routes to school efforts, bike safety, family activities

• Professional development in nutrition and physical activity

• Tabling at school events with nutrition and physical activity information

The community component is structured to amplify the school efforts for example, healthy food retail will focus on stores or mobile market options near schools to improve the environment most available to youth and their families.

For more information contact:
Jennifer O'Connor
School Coordinator, Creating Healthy Schools and Communities
1522 Main Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14305
Email: jlt235@cornell.edu
Phone: (716) 299-0905 ext. 288