The Town of Windsor Town Board voted unanimously in favor of participating in the Health Eating, Active Living (HEAL) Cities and Towns campaign on Monday, July 10.
A partnership between the Colorado Municipal League, LiveWell Colorado and Kaiser Permanente, the HEAL Cities and Towns campaign provides training and technical assistance for municipalities to develop policies that foster healthy workplaces, healthy food access, and active communities.
“By participating in the HEAL Cities campaign, it shows our town’s investment in health and the quality of life of our residents,” said Recreation Manager Tara Fotsch. “This campaign will provide our community support through LiveWell Colorado and will open doors to grant and funding opportunities for new programs.”
The HEAL Cities and Towns campaign includes four levels of participation that municipalities can achieve: Eager, Active, Fit and Elite. Windsor was able to achieve the second level, Active, upon passing the formal resolution to join the campaign.
“We already have programs and events in place that meet HEAL objectives, which allowed us to jump to the second level upon passing the resolution,” Fotsch said. “Some of our existing programs — like our new Farmers Market, where we accept SNAP program dollars; healthy vending options at the Recreation Center; our walkability score; and healthy program partnerships with the schools — meet HEAL Active requirements.”
The town looks to implement additional programs and opportunities with assistance from HEAL.
“Next year we’re on track to offer the Double Up program, which allows SNAP participants to match funds up to $20 at our Farmers Market,” Fotsch said. “We also want to better promote our trail network and walkability, offer community gardens, and set an example as an organization of a healthy workplace in our community.
“We’re excited to officially join HEAL. It will allow us to enhance our current programs and provide new opportunities to help better support our community in healthy living.”
For more information, contact Fotsch at 970-674-3500.