The City of Willow Springs and Willow Springs School District have joined the Healthy Schools Healthy Communities (HSHC) initiative of Missouri Foundation for Health to increase access to healthy food and physical activity where kids live, learn and play.
Willow Springs joins the Cabool and Houston school districts in the initiative, which brings together schools, community organizations, businesses, parents and residents to implement healthy activities in Texas and Howell counties.
HSHC grant funding began in 2013, shepherded by Sharon Nichols of the Cabool YMCA. In October 2015, the Texas County Health Department assumed the role of lead community partner.
“We are thrilled to be able to continue the excellent work started by the YMCA,” said health department administrator Jackie Smith, “and this joint effort embodies our two agencies dedication to collaborative accomplishments, including the housing of health department office at the Cabool YMCA to provide public health services in Cabool every Wednesday.”
Over the past two years, community and school coordinators hired with grant funds have worked together to help make positive changes such as school walking programs, Houston Mayor Don Tottingham’s community walking program, bicycle rodeos, health night and color run at the Texas County Fair, installation of water fountains in the schools and in city parks, street crosswalks, brain breaks implemented in the classrooms, development of a community garden at Piney River Recreation Area in Cabool and assistance with the community kitchen in the Lone Star Annex in downtown Houston, along with many other healthy environment improvements.
“Twenty-five percent of Missourians have limited access to healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity can often be limited,” said Rhonda Smythe, program officer at Missouri Foundation for Health. “Through Healthy Schools Healthy Communities, we want to help energize communities and provide the necessary resources to drive change. Missouri Foundation for Health is committed to supporting local efforts that create healthier opportunities for children, families and communities.”
Participation is needed from everyone to help spread the word about new healthier opportunities. For more information and to volunteer to be a part of the Healthy Schools Healthy Communities initiative in Texas and Howell counties, call Texas County wellness coordinator Earlene Stoops at 417-967-4131, ext. 200; Willow Springs school coordinator Jim Taylor at 417-469-3260, ext. 409; Cabool school coordinator Lisa Taylor at 417-962 3153; or Houston school coordinator Barry Wheeler at 417-260-1906.