Projects That Work for Health: Urban Market, Washington D.C.

In order to alleviate affects of what was once considered a food desert area, a historic market was redeveloped into what is now Union Market, a food hall that includes over 40 local vendors and entrepreneurs. This establishment has brought on over 200 jobs and a source of healthier, fresh food.

Potential health impacts are Increased foot traffic which can have a negative impact. However, this also allows for an increase in physical activity as well as an increase in fresh foods.

Personal Reflection: As nice as this concept is, it is not all positive. Many of the products sold in the food hall are, understandably, a bit expensive. People who have lived in this area that is now being regenerated may not be able to afford the products being sold here. This may further and more quickly allow for the gentrification of the area.

Location : Arlington county VA

• Local Foods, Local Places Case Study: Huntington, West Virginia

Goal: improve access to healthy food and provide an outlet for local producers

• To generate community support for the idea, the committee used social media and organized weekly “chat-n-chews” to facilitate discussions with citizens about the idea 

• The Wild Ramp allowed producers to set their own prices and stock their displays. 20% of proceeds went towards supporting the market operations

• Market expanded and began to offer cooking classes, agricultural workshops, and sustainability programs

• Advanced the city’s goal to reduce vacancies, develop existing commercial corridors, and support residents’ needs. 

• Additional link: https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/local-foods-local-places or https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/local-foods-local-places-toolkit

• Connection to class concepts

• The Wild Ramp generated more job opportunities, allowing people to both support the initiative and support themselves at the same time. The workshops and classes offered at the Wild Ramp also allowed people to develop health-conscious behaviors and skills to support the wellbeing of themselves and their family members. The Wild Ramp also promoted access to healthy, locally-grown whole foods, thus improving long-term health goals and supporting small businesses. 

• What are potential health impacts of the project

The project aimed to make healthy and whole foods more accessible to the public, allowing them to meet their personal health goals and mitigate the risk of diseases associated with poor nutrition. Additionally, the project had positive mental health impacts as it fostered a sense of community and allowed residents to connect with one another. Children and adults both benefited greatly from the workshops, services, and goods available to them at the Wild Ramp 

• Personal reflection – your thoughts on this project

The Wild Ramp was a multi-sectoral initiative that catered to the local public’s mental, physical, and social needs. Not only did it facilitate meeting one’s health goals, but it also revitalized the local economy and incentivized people to move to Huntington, WV to carry on projects likewise. We especially liked the involvement of the community from the project’s inception to garner feedback and tailor the program.

2) Safe Routes to School is implemented across the United States. Each participating community tailors the program to meet local needs and demographics.

• Examples of Implementation:

  • Fort Collins, Colorado: Uses local sales tax to fund Safe Routes to School.

  • Portsmouth, Ohio: Integrates SRTS into planning documents for funding eligibility.

  • Springfield, Missouri: Reduced speed limits to improve safety near schools.

    
    

3) Connection to class concepts:

This project reflects ,,,,,

- Neighborhood and Built Environment: SRTS focuses on safe infrastructure, like sidewalks, crosswalks, and traffic calming, which directly improves neighborhood safety and accessibility, a core aspect of the physical environment affecting health.

- Health and Health Care: By encouraging physical activity through walking and biking to school, SRTS promotes healthier lifestyles, reducing risks for obesity, heart disease, and other health issues often influenced by access to safe spaces for physical activity.

- Social and Community Context: SRTS emphasizes community engagement and prioritizes low-income and underserved neighborhoods, aiming to address inequities in safety, health, and accessibility for all students.

- Education Access and Quality: SRTS also supports educational outcomes by creating safer, healthier commutes, potentially improving attendance and readiness to learn, especially in areas where walking to school is more common among low-income students.

Local elected officials, by supporting SRTS, can help address multiple SDOH factors, creating more equitable access to safe, healthy transportation options that benefit the broader community.

4) Health Benefits:

-Reduced accidents and injuries for children by teaching them how to walk and bike safely

-Children feel more safe to engage in physical activity around their neighboorhoods

5)This is a great initiative that should be brought to local schools

Intersections-Health-and-the-Built-Environment.pdf

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https://travelboulder.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/BCFM.jpg

Boulder Farmers Market, Growing Gardens, Boulder Food Rescue

Accessibility to organic foods. Community encourages a theme/culture of healthy living and foods. CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture, is heavily encouraged across the city.

"Boulder, recognized as one of the healthiest cities in the United States..."

"Farm-job program for local teens who sell the produce at the farmers market."

"The city's zoning code was amended in 2012 to allow urban agriculture uses in all zones throughout the city, including in parks and city rights-of-ways."

Potential health impacts include: Higher education about healthy foods and access to food options. Lower income families have access to this education/accessibility. General community encouragement to use healthier food practices (I do it if you do it).

Reflection: Fantastic use of resources to change a people, a community. Advertising healthy living is something we should have been doing from the start.

https://muelleraustin.com/park-events/