Chapter 3:
Healthy Food Happy Kids

This project has been successfully implemented in key community spaces, including:

 

• Green Oasis Community Garden: Hands-on workshops combining food literacy and gardening.

• University Settlement: Educational sessions on food preparation, nutrition, and community engagement.

• Youth Athletic Programs: Collaborations to integrate healthy eating habits into athletic routines.

• Community Block Parties: Interactive demonstrations and outreach to engage families in making informed dietary choices.

​

​Collaborative Efforts with Rada Galeb

 

Michael Herrera worked closely with Project Lead, Rada Galeb, to design a program that aligns with nutritional standards and addresses the specific needs of communities across New York City and State. Tailoring the Program to Community Needs

 

1. Evidence-Based Approach: Leveraging her public health expertise, Rada ensured that all workshops and interventions were grounded in evidence-based practices.

2. Surveys and Focus Groups: Rada collaborated with her professors, Dr. Rositsa Ilieva and Dr. Nick Freudenberg of the CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute, to develop targeted surveys and focus groups. Their insights provided essential guidance on understanding barriers to healthy food access within the targeted communities. These surveys informed the program’s design, ensuring it effectively met local needs.

3. Nutritional Standards and Education:

• Workshop Development: Rada tailored educational sessions to include food literacy, healthy meal preparation, and family-centered nutrition education.

• Volunteer Training: She trained program staff and volunteers in motivational interviewing to effectively engage families.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation: Michael Herrera and Rada collaborated to collect and analyze program data, ensuring measurable success in improving food access and literacy among participants.

 

Leadership in Action

 

Michael Herrera’s Role:

 

• As Program Manager, Michael led the coordination of events, secured partnerships with community organizations, and ensured the program’s seamless execution. His efforts in organizing workshops, block parties, and youth athletic collaborations brought a creative and inclusive approach to addressing food insecurity.

 

Collaborative Leadership Impact: The partnership between Michael Herrera and Rada Galeb, supported by the expertise of Dr. Rositsa Ilieva and Dr. Nick Freudenberg, resulted in a comprehensive program that empowered families and youth to make informed, healthier food choices. This collaboration bridged the gaps between community organizing, public health, and education, fostering resilience and wellness across New York City and New York State.

 

Program Highlights

 

1. Community-Centered Workshops:

• Combined hands-on learning with interactive discussions to engage youth and families.

• Focused on practical, accessible solutions for incorporating healthy eating into daily routines.

2. Engaging Events:

• Delivered nutrition education through partnerships with athletic programs and community events, ensuring outreach to diverse audiences.

3. Sustainable Solutions:

• Promoted the importance of healthy food access and waste reduction through collaborations with gardens and community spaces such as University Settlement. This impactful program exemplifies the power of collaboration, evidence-based practice, and community-driven leadership. The Healthy Food, Happy Kids Project not only addresses immediate needs but also empowers participants with the tools to sustain healthier lifestyles for the long term.