What Are Food Systems and Why Are They Important?
By Sarah Wiemert, Planner II The Healthy Food Action Plan focuses on uplifting and expanding aspects of the St. Petersburg food system that residents identified as priority initiatives during the community engagement phase of the Plan. A food system is an integral part of communities. But what exactly is a food system, and how does it influence whether a community is thriving? Food Systems 101 A food system is a collection of physical processes and abstract ideas that interact with people, communities, and
Fresh Rec Stop Recipe: Greek Yogurt Chocolate Pudding
By Garrett Simpson, Community Health Leader With the new year right around the corner everyone is trying to set themselves up for success. The best way to set yourself up nutritionally is to eat probiotics daily. Probiotics help your body maintain healthy gut microorganisms. Greek yogurt is full of probiotics that help prevent obesity. It’s a great source of calcium and can keep you satisfied for longer. Dark Chocolate is a powerful source of antioxidants. It may improve blood flow and
7TH ANNUAL HEALTHY ST. PETE FIT CITY 5K + 1 MILE WALK: GLOW IN THE PARK
Ready, set, glow! The 7th annual Healthy St. Pete Fit City 5K and 1 Mile Walk is returning to downtown St. Petersburg on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. Healthy St. Pete, a division of the City of St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation Department, is hosting the Glow in the Park event with activities for all ages starting at 5 p.m. in North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Dr. NE. The Healthy St. Pete Fit City 5K and 1 Mile Walk encourages community collaboration
FRESH REC STOP RECIPE: POMEGRANATE & PISTACHIO YOGURT BARK
By Garrett Simpson, Community Health Leader For many that don’t know, December is in the middle of pomegranate season. Even though they stain my hands and clothes, I can’t get enough of that sweet and sour fruit. Pomegranates can help prevent or treat various disease risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, oxidative stress, hyperglycemia, and inflammatory activities. It is demonstrated that certain components of the pomegranate, such as polyphenols, have potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic effects. Greek yogurt contains
St. Peterburg Healthy Food Action Plan: A Path Toward Health Equity
By Sarah Wiemert, Food Systems Planner Healthy St. Pete is excited to be facilitating, through community participation and organizational partnership, a Healthy Food Action Plan. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the Healthy Food Action Plan will guide short- and long-term projects, partnerships, and policies that address food access issues in Healthy Food Priority Areas to promote health equity in St. Petersburg. It will improve access to and education about healthy, affordable food sources and agencies, increase the
Mental Health Matters: Building Strong Foundations in Kids
Mental Health Matters: Building Strong Foundations in Kids By Rhenelle Mc Sween-Navarro, Community Health Program Specialist The physical well-being of children has always been given priority, but one extremely important factor that is often overlooked is mental well-being. Mental health in the world’s youth population is often forgotten, or it is thought that children do not suffer from adverse mental health issues as adults do. There are many contributing factors to a child’s mental health, so early detection and intervention is vital
FRESH REC STOP RECIPE: CRANBERRY MOUSSE
By Chef Garrett, Community Health Leader As we head further into fall, it's time to excited for the family gatherings and the food that comes with the season. Cranberries always taste like the holidays. Many people consider cranberries to be a superfood due to their high nutrient and antioxidant content. In fact, research has linked the nutrients in cranberries to a lower risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) the prevention of certain types of cancer, improved immune function, and decreased blood
September is National Recovery Month
By Rhenelle Mc Sween-Navarro, Community Health Program Specialist National Recovery Month is observed every September as a time of reflection, celebration, and support for individuals on their journey to sobriety and mental wellness. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA), this month also serves as a way to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in all
Healthy St. Pete Present AARP’s FitLot Method Classes
By Dakota Priest, Community Health Leader Are you looking to start a new exercise program for your physical fitness and social needs? If you answered yes, you may want to consider trying this FREE, outdoor exercise class. Healthy St. Pete is thrilled to bring back another iteration of the extremely popular FitLot Method classes for our fall season! FitLot Method is an AARP sponsored, outdoor, fitness-in-the-park program that brings the community together while participating in a healthy exercise program. This program is perfect for
FRESH REC STOP RECIPE: VEGAN PUMPKIN PUREE
By Garrett Simpson, Community Health Leader Now that Fall is upon us it is time to dive into all the flavors the season has for us. This recipe has some very nutritious elements that you and your family should try for dessert or snack. Pumpkin is a rich source of heart-healthy nutrients like fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. Several studies have connected eating dried dates with improved brain function. Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber. Fiber takes longer to digest