Making it Better: Minnesota's Health Improvement Log

Minnesota Department of Health sent this bulletin at 01/11/2018 11:00 AM CST

Making it Better: Minnesota's Health Improvement Log

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Jan. 11,2017

Good Food Sold Here Pilot

Invitation to Participate

To improve existing statewide healthy food retail work, the OSHII Healthy Eating Team and Evaluation Team have launched the Good Food Sold Here Partnership Pilot (GFSHPP).

The GFSHPP is a focused evaluation project in which grantees partner with small stores in their communities to build supply of, and demand for fruits, vegetables and healthy beverages. We are seeking grantees who want to participate in the GFSHPP.

If you are interested in learning more, please email: HEALTH.healthyeating@state.mn.us

New Milage Rate

Increased rate in effect

The Federal IRS mileage reimbursement rate increased with the new year to $0.054.5/mile. SHIP grantees should use this rate on invoices when seeking reimbursement for use of personal vehicle for state work.

2018 Schoolyard Gardens Conference

Registration open

The Schoolyard Garden movement provides a hands-on opportunity for students to meet academic standards, engage with community partners, learn about agriculture, healthy eating, cultural competency and connect with natural systems.

Whether you are a beginner or schoolyard garden veteran, please join on Friday, March 2, in Chaska to learn innovative strategies, sustaining and engaging diverse learners in a thriving schoolyard garden.

information and registration can be found on the University of Minnesota website.

Calendar of Events

HealthierUS School Challenge: Smarter Lunchrooms Training

Date: Friday, Feb. 9
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Register now for a half-day training in Sartell to learn how to receive funding for, and recognition of, health and wellness efforts in schools.

Apply here for the HealthierUS School Challenge: Smarter Lunchrooms initiative.

This Week's Gem

Enjoying neighborhood parks is a favorite pastime for many. But for some kids with disabilities, going to the park and playing isn't always an option.

The City of Anoka, working with Anoka County SHIP, recently implemented safe routes to parks, and began the rollout with a refresh of George Enloe Park, making it accessible to all.

Located in an Anoka neighborhoods with high poverty rates, an inclusive playground was created to provide an environment where children in wheelchairs, walkers or on crutches can access and easily move through the play environment without having to negotiate unevenness of non-unitary surfaces, such as wood chips or sand.

City of Anoka and Anoka County Community Health and Environmental Services were awarded a Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee Legacy Grant to fund the park, and Anoka County SHIP is now working with the city to add directional signage to the park, bike racks for visitors to have a place to safely lock their bikes and bike fix it stations to make minor repairs or fill their tires with air. Along with the inclusive playground, Anoka County SHIP is working with the city to include specific steps to implement safe routes to parks within its overall planning process.