Kraft Foods Helps Bring Health and Wellness Programming to West Haven

by Meghan Baer
Published: December 22, 2011

Thanks to a grant from LISC/Chicago and Kraft Foods, Near West is amping up our health and wellness programming! In addition to sports, we are focusing on nutrition education, healthy cooking, and garden activities.

UIC Intern, Candace Griffin, leading a healthy cooking class for the West Haven Softball Team

This past summer, Near West initiated healthy cooking classes for youth in the West Haven community. They learned important nutrition facts while preparing and cooking wholesome dishes. For example, the West Haven softball team cooked up quinoa salad, smoothies, and (healthy!) chocolate snacks. Meanwhile, youth in the Marques Sullivan Football Camp learned the importance of eating right in order to compete on the field. A graduate student intern from the UIC Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition lead these activities.

In the Wilma Ward Memorial Park, elementary students from St. Malachy School planted a variety of vegetables--from snap peas to cabbage! They visited the garden weekly to water and monitors the plants. They also assisted in composting brown and green material for next season's gardening!

In addition, over 15 community residents assisted in Garden Day, diligently working to make the Memorial Park a beautiful space for residents and visitors alike.

Thank you LISC/Chicago and Kraft Foods!

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