Healthy Opportunities Program
Our Journey to Better Health...
Starts Today!
Our journey to better health starts today, and it starts together. Community is at the heart of everything we do – it’s the support, the strength, and the shared commitment that empowers us all. When we come together, we can make lasting changes not only for ourselves but for our entire community.
Let’s take the first step together, because every small change adds up to a healthier, happier future for us all!
Check out what we’re working on in Fayette County!
Nutrition
Our goal is to increase access to healthy foods in the communities we serve. We collaborate with local organizations, public entities, community centers, and local food pantries to expand the availability of nutritious food options. In addition, we are working with local and state agencies to implement produce incentive programs such as the Produce Perks program and produce prescriptions here in Fayette County.
If you are interested in collaborating to bring healthy food guidelines and education to your organization, school, worksite, or anywhere please contact Extension Educator, Jennifer Eggleton.
Physical Activity
Our priority is to improve access to everyday destinations through traffic calming measures, crosswalks, and way-finding signage, to ensure community members have access to safer means of physical activity. Active transportation infrastructure helps create interconnected transportation networks that can help reduce congestion and traffic fatalities when designed with all users in mind; improve access to economic opportunity; increase physical activity and improve human health; and tighten the social fabric of communities.
We are also working to promote the Move Your Way® campaign. The campaign focuses on spreading the word that physical activity is something everyone can do in their own way, and you can help people in our community get more active and live longer, healthier lives – because every little bit of movement counts!
Farm to Early Care & Education (ECE)
Farm to ECE programs highlight agriculture education and incorporate locally grown foods into daily meals and snacks for young children. We are actively working to grow the network of licensed early care providers in Fayette County who are interested in starting or expanding farm to ECE activities such as purchasing, preparing, and serving local foods, on-site gardening, and agriculture education. Extension Educator, Jennifer Eggleton, is available to support you through the setup process and provide educational programming at your licensed site.
Coalition Building
We don’t work alone. Fayette County HOP is working to identify strategies and implement positive changes in the community. Our community partnerships include, Fayette County YMCA, Fayette County Health Department, Adena Fayette, Fayette County Food Pantry, Fayette County Farmers Market, Local School Districts, and involved citizens who are dedicated to creating healthier and safer communities.
If you're interested in joining our efforts, please contact Extension Educator, Jennifer Eggleton for more information.
This work is part of the High Obesity Program, made possible with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.