(Chelsea Update would like to thank Kayla Steinberg for the information in this story.)
The Chelsea Senior Center was recently a recipient of a grant from the Washtenaw County Health Department to help build foundations for residents to live healthy lifestyles.
The senior center was one of 13 projects to receive a portion of more than $160,000 in grant funding and will use the money to grow its healthy eating programs for all ages.
In 2012, the senior center created an intergenerational garden to teach children the joys and benefits of gardening, build a manageable gardening experience for seniors, and help bridge the intergenerational gap between the two age groups. The grant will allow them to purchase a mobile cooking station and equipment to engage kids and seniors in healthy eating and cooking demonstrations.
“We are thankful to have this grant opportunity that will allow us to better support our intergenerational garden,” said Trinh Pifer, executive director at Chelsea Senior Center. “Connecting seniors and youth around healthy eating and physical activity outdoors – it’s very rewarding for all involved.”
The health department awarded the funding through its Building Healthy Communities program. Building Healthy Communities creates policy, system, and environment changes that support physical activity and healthy eating. The program aims to reduce cardiovascular disease, obesity, and other chronic conditions.
“These projects will be creating lasting changes throughout the year, from park and food pantry improvements to connections to local farmers markets and bike sharing,” said Susan Ringler Cerniglia, MPH, program administrator with Washtenaw County Health Department. “We are incredibly excited to be able to support our local partners and to work together to find unique and effective ways to support health in our local communities and for everyone who lives there.”
