On Saturday, July 7th, twelve BHA residents graduated for successfully completing the Food Resource Group program at the Whittier Street public housing development. State Representative, Chynah Tyler, spoke about food access in Roxbury and gave each resident a State House Commendation, as well as a Certificate of Appreciation. Staff from the Boston Public Health Commission, Boston Housing Authority, community partners, and other Whittier residents joined the celebration as well.
To support the Whittier Street residents, BHA under Project REACH: Partners in Health and Housing, developed the Whittier Street Food Resource Group. The group is part of an initiative in partnership with the Boston Public Health Commission to ensure the health of BHA residents. Over the course of six months, twelve Whittier residents attended strategy meetings where they explored different ways to expand the opportunities for affordable healthy food in their community. Residents discussed food access data and barriers they face in obtaining healthy food in their neighborhood. They then used the data to create goals and potential community action to address these barriers. These sessions were done in both English and Spanish.
Various community organizations participated in the sessions and shared experiences with the group. Our many partners include: Roxbury in Motion, Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition, Fresh Truck, Northeastern University, Whittier Community Health Center, Mission Hill Health Movement, Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition, and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. Residents visited The Food Project’s Dudley Greenhouse, went on an environmental justice tour with Alternatives for Community & Environment, and even enjoyed a mini shopping trip at Daily Table.
During a final strategy meeting, residents and BHA staff worked together to create a community action plan. They identified objectives, strategies and action steps to help the Whittier neighborhood become a healthier community. Whittier residents will collaborate with local partners to help shape local policies and guide their community into building a food system where healthy food is accessible and affordable to everyone.
The Whittier Street site is currently undergoing redevelopment as part of a $30 million Whittier Choice Neighborhoods grant, which will transform both the site and the surrounding neighborhood. Project Reach: Partners in Health and Housing works with BHA residents throughout the city on making healthy food, beverage and lifestyle choices as well as how to find and purchase healthy, affordable foods for their families and in their communities.
