Bronx Healthy Hearts

Bronx Healthy Hearts is a sister project, developed by the Nutrition and Fitness Work Group of Bronx Health REACH, and funded by the New York State Department of Health.

Our school-based nutrition program, restaurant and bodega initiatives, work to increase the availability of healthy food options in the community. The goal is to raise awareness and provide information and tools to make lifestyle changes. By doing this we help create a community where everybody can have the opportunity to enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

Bronx Healthy Hearts’ School Program

This program helps Bronx Region 1 schools create a healthy school environment. We work with principals, teachers, and parents to develop health committees that address nutrition and fitness. We also participate in a Regional Committee that discusses broader topics related to nutrition and fitness in schools.

Participating schools work to:

  • Increase consumption of fruits and vegetables using “Eat 5 a Day” curriculum
  • Implement policies on healthy snacks, fundraisers, and celebrations
  • Encourage non-food rewards in school and at home
  • Incorporate physical activity into daily lesson plans using “Take 10!” 10 minute exercise breaks
  • Implement after-school cooking classes for students and their families through “CookShop®”

School activities include:

  • Presentations on “How to Create a Healthy School Environment” for teachers and staff
  • Developing Health Committees
  • School Health Index assessment
  • Action Plan development
  • Development of nutrition and physical activity policies
  • Coordination of nutrition education and physical activity programs
  • Joint presentations with school staff for parents

Contact us to learn more about our school program or how you can get involved.

The Bronx Healthy Hearts Restaurant Program

This program is committed to improving the cardiovascular health of southwest Bronx residents by increasing the availability and consumption of healthier food choices in restaurants.

We work with local, family-owned restaurants to promote their healthiest menu items. Bronx Healthy Hearts Restaurants include a wide range of food types. The restaurants also participate in the annual “Bronx Healthy Hearts Restaurant Week” – a celebration to promote these restaurants by offering community residents free samples of healthy food items and health/nutrition related information.

When restaurants join our program, they agree to:

  • Promote the healthier options approved by our staff
  • Work with us to identify ways to increase the number of healthy options on the menu
  • Place a Bronx Healthy Hearts decal on an entrance door or window
  • Allow us to measure progress by observing customer orders
  • Give us permission to promote their restaurant throughout the community and to use the restaurant name in local newspapers

We agree to:

  • Promote restaurants throughout the community
  • Provide materials that will encourage healthy lifestyles among customers
  • Answer any questions restaurant staff members have about the program

Some of the restaurants participating offer:

  • Low-fat 1% milk
  • Baked or steamed fish instead of only fried fish
  • Whole wheat wraps

In addition:

  • Two restaurants have been asked to cater community events/meetings
  • One restaurant revised their menu and made a few price changes to promote the healthier menu items
  • One restaurant installed a rotisserie machine to cook chicken in a healthier way

Contact us to learn more about our restaurant program or if you are a restaurant owner interested in getting involved. Additional information is available for restaurant owners in our resource center.