In January of 2010, The School District of Palm Beach County was awarded a $360,000 Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities (HKHC) grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) to improve opportunities for physical activity and access to affordable healthy foods for children and families in the Lake Worth, Greenacres, and Palm Springs communities. The HKHC coalition representing twenty community partners was formed in July 2010 to create policy and environmental changes for children and families by increasing opportunities to access healthy foods and participate in physical activity. Matching funding was secured from The Quantum Foundation, The Palm Healthcare Foundation, The Office of Community Revitalization, The Law Enforcement Trust Fund, The Lake Worth Community Redevelopment Agency, Wells Fargo Bank, The Florida Department of Transportation Enhancement Funds, Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful, and The PBC School District School Food Service Department resulting in an additional $1.4 million to support obesity prevention in the project area.

During the three years of the HKHC project, school and community gardens were created at 22 sites throughout the project area. Four additional gardens are in development for the Fall of 2013. Each principal signed a garden agreement that included decisions about what will be done with the food and commitments to ensure long-term success of the project. Support for the gardens was achieved in many ways. Each coordinator at the garden site is given training by the UF/IFAS Cooperative Extension Service on techniques and methods of farming. This training is made available quarterly and at no cost. Business and community partners such as The Kiwanis Club of Lake Worth, The Palm Beach County Sherriff’s Office, The Lake Worth Garden Club, The Mount’s Botanical Garden Master Gardeners, The Scottish Rite Masons, and PBC Parks and Recreation have agreed to continue to support the gardens and the students beyond the term of the grant. Gardens have been used during this time for curriculum integration, tasting parties, fundraising, support for food pantries, outdoor classrooms, and fresh food is routinely sent home with the children for their families.

Through the HKHC partnership with PBC Parks and Recreation and funding from the Office of Community Revitalization - The School District of Palm Beach County created the county’s first ever “Joint Use Agreement” to open school grounds to the public. Set to open in September 2013, the walking trail and field have been separated from main school building by a fence to keep the school secure at all times. The field will be open to the public on weekends and holidays. Many mature trees have been placed along the trail for shade and comfort of the users.

Palm Beach County Commissioners approved a policy in November 2012 to improve the options available at all Parks and Recreation vending machines. The policy requires healthy options including water, whole grains and maximums on serving sizes. This policy affects all the vending machines in all county parks.

The Tropical Ridge Fitness Park opened in November 2012 and houses Palm Beach County’s first Fitness Zone. Park users have an opportunity to use 9 fitness machines specifically geared to work different areas of the body. Since its grand opening, the community has rallied around the park and uses it constantly. The Community Redevelopment Agency has recently been funded to add a children’s play area to the park. The play area will be completed by Summer 2014.

For information regarding this grant and how to get involved, please contact Erica Whitfield at Erica.Whitfield@palmbeachschools.org or call (561) 969-5880

Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities Meetings ~ FY 2012-2013