The following local resources may help you develop and strengthen the healthy habits we have explored through HELPS. This directory of resources was identified through our community-academic partnership and feedback from community members themselves.
Appetite for ChangeÂ
Appetite for Change uses food as a tool to build health, wealth, and social change in North Minneapolis. We bring people together to learn, cook, eat and grow food, creating change that lasts.Â
Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)Â
The EFNEP provides health and nutrition information to low-income families with children under the age of 18. They learn about healthier meal planning, shopping, and food safety. The EFNEP is a federally funded program that has been educating families for more than 45 years.
Harold Mezil Northside YMCA
Harold Mezil Northside YMCA serves youth and seniors with programs that create a healthier community. They provide exercise, cooking, and garden programs.
Growing GoodÂ
Growing Good is an outreach program of the MN landscape Arboretum. Our work is centered around Environmental awareness, health and nutrition, community partnership development, and Growing to college and career experiences. Growing Good works with youth ages 5-12 at various sites throughout the Twins Cities, and employs youth between the ages of 12-18 for a summer internship (paid) opportunity.
Growing North Minneapolis Â
Growing North Minneapolis is a community-driven collaboration with the University of Minnesota, which focuses on youth and their communities. Through intergenerational mentorship and urban agriculture, this organization advances environmental, social and racial justice in North Minneapolis. The North Minneapolis community is invited to come and grow with as a community mentor, either during the school-year program or during the summer garden program. It is a tremendously rewarding and impactful experience.
Seeds to Harvest CoalitionÂ
Since the murder of George Floyd, civil unrest and ongoing COVID-19 response has suspended public sector programs and destroyed the economic and civic physical infrastructure, several community agencies and groups, leadership development and environmental organizations have formed the ‘Seeds to Harvest’ Coalition to serve its community to support the community and its program infrastructure. One hour a week.
Contact: Alissa Daire Nelson, Director of Development - alissa@daire2succeed.comÂ
University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program
The mission of the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program is to use research-based horticultural knowledge and practices to deliver educational outreach and project-based efforts that inspire change and promote healthy people, healthy communities and a healthy planet. Current efforts are driven towards making the Master Gardener Program more diverse and inclusive, and more of a representation of the communities the program exists to serve.