Neighborhood kid shows off his pita pizza.

IMAGE

1

Coordinated and funded efforts already exist around access but residents are extremely hard to engage. More on this, and our full idea, at www.leahspantrysf.org/improveSF.

The bottom line: solutions for these neighborhoods are not easy, nor are they solved with a top-down "build it and they will come" philosophy. We need to find ways to connect residents who are making it work (bright spots), and create a new, resident-driven attitude toward health.

We like:
A marketing campaign for residents, biz owners, schools, child care, public agencies, and CBOs. A simple brand (logo, tagline) to indicate a commitment to the health and wellness. Individuals become health promoters by engaging residents. Store owners identified by selling nutrient-dense foods, produce, gardening supplies. Orgs designated who make a commitment to educating staff & clients. Culturally competent ads highlight individuals making a difference, encourage sharing healthy choices via text/Twitter.
A diverse collaborative group behind branding effort. Collaborative could create the brand, set objectives, collect/monitor specific behaviors. Collaborative made up of residents, CBOs and housing providers, business owners, HSA/DPH, child care centers, schools, SFFB, HOTC, tech companies.

Use technology solutions. Mobile phone penetration is very high and everyone texts. Many have web on their phones. Leverage existing funding for BenefitsCalWin and the expertise of local tech companies.
Agencies and ads encourage individuals to text or Twitter (#FoodSmarts) healthy choices. Examples: photos, good ideas, recipes, goals, health measures. Incentives for participation (slow cookers, FM tokens, jump ropes). Store owners text blast healthy products. CBOs advertise workshops, walking groups, recipes, health tips. Collaborative shares the best ideas with the network.

Participation in this program is encouraged through ads, case workers, CBOs, existing classes, stores, BenefitsCalWin.