Overview
Fresh Beginnings was a collaborative led by the Mayor’s Healthy City Initiative targeting three high-need zip codes in North Baton Rouge. The project aimed to improve access to fresh, healthy foods by starting a mobile farmers market, convening a Food Access Policy Commission, and assisting corner stores in offering fresh produce. In addition, the project increased opportunities for physical activity at four elementary schools by providing equipment and training teachers.
Highlights
- Food Access Policy Commission (FAPC)
- 13 FAPC meetings + additional outreach events involving over 500 community members
- Garnered public support from political leaders, for the recommendations to establish a “Grocery Express” route operated by the city’s public transit, as well as a financing initiative to attract food retail in target areas
- Mobile Farmers Market
- 1 new truck and trailer with 5 regular stops
- Over $97,000 in sales from 2013 to 2015
- In-school Physical Activity
- 70 teachers trained to integrate activity and nutrition into the classroom;
- indoor and outdoor exercise equipment installed in 4 elementary schools serving 1,882 children
Project Partners
- Mayor’s Healthy City Initiative
- EBR Redevelopment Authority
- Together Baton Rouge
- Big River Economic & Agricultural Development Alliance
- Project Fit America
- Evelyn J. Daniel Foundation
- EBR Parish School System
- Cooking Matters for Families
- Our Lady of the Lake Hospital
- BREC on the Geaux
- Slow Food Baton Rouge
- LSU AgCenter
- Southern Univ AgCenter
- LA Culinary Institute
- Baton Rouge Area Chamber
Overview
The CAPP project was developed through BREC – the Recreation and Parks Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge – and aimed at increasing outdoor recreational activities. It was comprised of two distinct parts: (1) the construction of the first portion of the Capital Area Pathway’s Medical Loop, which is a multi-purpose linear connectivity trail intended to service densely populated areas comprised of residential, commercial and public properties; (2) the design, purchase, and operation of a mobile recreation unit to engage children in the parish’s “play deserts” in a variety of fun, safe physical activities.
Highlights
- 2 miles of Ward Creek multi-use trail segment (including landscaping, water fountains, QT Fit/smart phone fitness system, and parking access)
- Initiation of the Perkins Road multi-use trail segment
- 2 “BREC on the Geaux” mobile recreation units (14-foot box trucks), fully equipped and staffed
- School recess programs targeting pre-K to 5th grade; 10 schools/week; up to 900 children/day;
- After school & holiday programs – routes target low-income housing complexes and neighborhood parks; the program has reached over 9,750 residents to date;
- Available for private functions (revenue generating)
- National Recognition
- Sharing mobile recreation program development experience and expertise with recreation departments/professionals throughout the country
Project Partners
- EBR Housing Authority
- EBR Parish Schools
- Richard Carmouche
- Mall of LA
- BREC Foundation
- BR General Medical Center
- Ochsner Health Center
- Atlanta Path Foundation
- Capitol Region Planning Commission
- Center for Planning Excellence