School Meals: How Federal, State and local regulations shape school food & what you can do about it
Published February 15, 2021 198 Views
Last week we posted some information about Federal nutrition guidelines and the Smart Snack standards. School meals are governed by Federal, State, and local regulations. They are part of an economic system and food system that is not designed to provide kids with fresh food. School food service ope...
Do you want to support RCSD students by purchasing snacks? Here’s what you need to know
Published February 11, 2021 280 Views
We know. School meals should be better. Our first campaign 13 years ago was called "Lunch is Gross” – where RCSD students in a 4th grade classroom headed to the School Board and demanded changes. Those kids were successful. They solidified better food standards before the fede...
Healthi Kids Supports RCSD Reopening Plans
Published February 8, 2021 43 Views
Over the last year, we have faced several crises due to COVID-19, and the ongoing and systemic acts of police brutality on Black and Brown residents in our community. The current reality for families in our community has changed dramatically from loss of jobs and homes, to losing any semblance o...
#PLAYROCSATHOME - Snow Much Fun Winter Activity Ideas
Published January 28, 2021 525 Views
Did you know that fresh air is healthy - even in the winter? Outdoor play in the colder months is fun, benefits the social-emotional and physical development in kids, boosts the immune system and promotes wellness overall. #PLAYROCSATHOME was introduced last May to remind families about...
Action Alert: What Are Your Current Childcare Needs? Take the Survey!
Published November 20, 2020 811 Views
COVID-19 has changed so much in our community. We know all caregivers have been navigating challenges to keep their kids safe during the pandemic. We also know that many caregivers have had to find new and emergency forms of childcare for their babies, school-aged kids, and teens. Community...
Food for Thought: Creating Rochester's first Food Policy Council
Published October 13, 2020 856 Views
This summer, Common Ground Health, Foodlink, and the City of Rochester, received a two-year grant from the Healthiest Cities and Counties Challenge (HCCC). These funds will be used for community outreach and planning for a Rochester Food Policy Council. In August 2020, the partners joined with r...
$100K ‘Healthiest Cities’ grant aims to advance health equity in Rochester
Published August 4, 2020 1093 Views
Common Ground Health, Foodlink and the City of Rochester have been selected to receive a $100,000 grant as part of the Healthiest Cities & Counties Challenge. Common Ground Health’s Healthi Kids Initiative is working with Foodlink and the City of Rochester to implement the City...
Summer Meals program innovates to reach more kids due to coronavirus pandemic
Published July 7, 2020 646 Views
ROCHESTER – As the COVID-19 public health crisis continues to limit food access and keeps children away from their traditional summer programs, the Summer Meals Partnership of Rochester is taking a new and innovative approach to ensure that all children 18 and younger have access to nutrit...
Racism is a public health crisis
Published June 17, 2020 1017 Views
Common Ground Health, the African American and Latino health coalitions and the Healthi Kids Coalition stand with Black residents and other partners in acknowledging that racism is a public health crisis. We are heartbroken by recent examples of police brutality and high COVID-19 deaths among Bl...
Healthi Kids and DRYS partner to promote #playrocsathome
Published May 20, 2020 661 Views
Healthi Kids partnered with The City’s Department of Recreation & Youth Services (DRYS) to promote the power of play. On Monday, May 4, team members from Healthi Kids and DRYS met at the Rochester Community Sports Complex Stadium and assembled 900 free play kits that kids can use at home.&...
Resources for Families: COVID-19
Published March 24, 2020 7583 Views
Healthi Kids acknowledges the challenges that families are facing due to the recent COVID-19 news. Since schools are closed and a lot of kids are home with their parents, we understand the importance of creating daily routines that incorporate learning, physical activity, and social-em...
Active fathers have a significant impact on child development
Published February 7, 2020 642 Views
All Pro Dad breakfast at #43 school Fatherhood engagement has a significant influence on children. More engaged fathers can positively affect a child’s healthy physical, emotional and social development. Researc...
City Council adopts Rochester 2034 Comprehensive Plan
Published December 9, 2019 1118 Views
Healthi Kids is happy to celebrate City Council’s adoption of the Rochester 2034 Comprehensive Plan. The decision was made on November 12, 2019 and the new plan will replace the city’s previous comprehensive plan, which was completed in 1999. A comprehensive plan is a vision for the...
ROC the Future Selected for Community-led Playground Project to Give Local Kids More Opportunities to Play
Published October 31, 2019 692 Views
ROC the Future, a member of the StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network, has been selected to lead a playground project with KaBOOM!, the national nonprofit that works to ensure every kid and all communities have equitable access to quality, imaginative playspaces. ROC the Future, in partners...
Mayor Warren Cuts Ribbon on Downtown Play Walk
Published October 25, 2019 705 Views
Photo courtesy of the City of Rochester Communications Bureau Want to get from the Strong Museum of Play to the Central Library or take in the gorgeous vistas of the Genesee River Downtown? You could drive. Or, you could play your way there! Mayor Lovely A. Warren was joined by youth and comm...
North Clinton Avenue Makeover Featured a Multicultural Flair
Published October 3, 2019 951 Views
A dream decades in the making was realized this weekend when North Clinton Avenue was infused with the flavor of San Juan, Puerto Rico, during the “Complete Streets Makeover.” On Sept. 29, volunteers transformed a busy section of North Clinton Avenue, or “La Avenida&rdq...
Healthi Kids Speaks Out in Opposition to Proposed SNAP Change
Published October 3, 2019 585 Views
iStock.com/AlexRaths Healthi Kids has spoken out in opposition to the administration’s proposed changes to SNAP. The new rule will ultimately increase food insecurity which will harm whole child health. The changes will also make it more costly for states to run their SNAP programs.&nbs...
A Proposed Change to SNAP Would Increase Food Insecurity and Hurt Kids
Published August 28, 2019 1018 Views
iStock.com/AlexRaths Would you go hungry so that your children had food? It’s a question more local families could be facing soon. In Monroe County, over 100,000 people rely on SNAP (aka food stamps or EBT) to afford food each month. Many of these individuals are the children of work...
Community welcomes story walk at Ryan R-Center
Published August 28, 2019 831 Views
Photo courtesy of the City of Rochester Communications Bureau Community members are applauding the grand opening of the Community Story Walk at Ryan, an interactive and visual literary journey of play, to the Thomas P. Ryan R-Center and Sully Branch Library. “I am so proud to live in...
Safe driving campaign seeks help posting signs
Published August 28, 2019 886 Views
Local residents have stepped up to install more than 300 lawn signs as part of the drive2Bbetter campaign, which aims to make our community’s roads safer for all users. The signs remind drivers of three simple driving habits to protect road users: slow, scan and space. Slowing down, scanni...
City releases draft plan for next 15 years
Published August 7, 2019 919 Views
Healthi Kids was excited to read the draft Rochester 2034 Comprehensive Plan, which will set the city's strategic vision and goals for the future. This important plan will affect kids and families across our city. Learn more.
Rochester kids and adults reclaimed their neighborhoods for play
Published July 8, 2019 539 Views
During its 4th annual PlayROCs Your Neighborhood event on July 13, 2019, Healthi Kids teamed up with 55 neighborhood partners to repurpose, reclaim and restore play to public spaces.
Candidates respond to questions on issues affecting kids
Published June 21, 2019 740 Views
The Healthi Kids Coalition, with input from the Greater Rochester Parent Leadership Training Institute Alumni, created a 2019 questionnaire around our advocacy agenda for Whole Child Health. Each candidate for Rochester City Council and School Board was given an opportunity to respond.
Call for Volunteers for PlayROCS your Neighborhood
Published June 7, 2019 768 Views
For the last three years, children, families and neighborhood organizers have rallied together throughout the City of Rochester to raise awareness for safe and accessible play spaces for every child, in every neighborhood. Our city wide coordinated play day PlayROCs your Neighborhood h...
Active Transportation Summit put ideas into motion
Published May 31, 2019 997 Views
Do you bike, walk, run, use a wheelchair, scooter, or skateboard or take the bus? Those are examples of active transportation. About 120 people took part in discussions of active transportation during the Active Transportation Summit May 23rd at the Rochester Riverside Hotel. The goal of the...
Kids Marched for the Right to Play in a Safe Neighborhood
Published May 31, 2019 602 Views
The Cameron Community Ministries after school program hosts seventh annual peace walk through Lyell/Otis Neighborhood.
ACTION ALERT: Share with NYS YOUR Feedback on our Early Care and Education System
Published May 23, 2019 650 Views
Are you a parent or caregiver of a child ages 0-5? Do you work with our youngest kids? Are you an administrator of an early childhood program? The New York State Council on Children and Families wants to hear from you! The Council is in the process of conducting a statewide needs as...
A Win for Kids: State Invests in Advantage After School Program
Published May 16, 2019 609 Views
It's great news for after school and students across New York State! This year the Advantage statewide funding stream for after school has increased from $1375 per student to $2000 per student! This is a huge win for providers and kids across the state as additional dollars wi...
It's Our Right To Play! Join Us for the 7th Annual Cameron Peace Walk
Published May 9, 2019 839 Views
Join us at the 7th Annual Cameron Community Ministries Peace Walk Every child has the right to a safe place to play in their neighborhood. Data from the Healthi Kids Coalition demonstrates that one of the top barriers to play is neighborhood safety. As kids at Cameron Community Mini...
Join us for Play the Riverway May 11th!
Published May 7, 2019 805 Views
Join us on Saturday, May 11th, as we take over Court Street for a FREE PLAY DAY! We'll be providing interactive opportunities for kids and families across the City of Rochester. To learn more please reach out to Joe at 224-3127.