News

Angela Nardozzi

angelanardozzi@schoolyards.org

An electric buzz of excited voices filled the Massachusetts State House conference room Monday February 7^th, 2011 as attendees waited for the kick-off of the Act FRESH Campaign. The agenda of the campaign is broken down into four initiatives that collectively work to improve the standard of living in all Massachusetts communities.

• Improve the zoning codes in every community. Protected open spaces, bike paths, and sidewalks will promote outdoor recreation, community safety, and conservation of our great Mother Nature
• Many were surprised to hear that Massachusetts ranks 3^rd in fewest supermarkets per capita, according to The Food Trust. Thus, access to healthy food stores is the second priority of the campaign.
• Supply healthy and appetizing school lunches for students. The campaign is pushing for the Massachusetts Public Health Council to adopt the strongest nutritional standards in the country.
• Emphasize the value of physical activity to younger generations by increasing the hours and quality of schools’ physical education programs.

The Act FRESH Campaign is a call to action to provide Massachusetts residents the opportunity to be healthy and active. It involves connecting leaders and organizations from across the Commonwealth as well as a strong push from the communities themselves.

Boston Schoolyard Initiative was proud to be present at the launch of Act FRESH, a campaign that embodies many of the same values as our organization. Since 1995, BSI has been working to create outdoor spaces for recreation, learning and community life at public schools within the Boston area. BSI looks forward to the success of the campaign and to continue our mission of making Boston a more vibrant community.

To read the full report of the Act FRESH Campaign, visit the Massachusetts Public Health Association.