Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/260020
Newtown community members are invited to a two-part Growing Healthy Communities symposium at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex on Friday, Feb. 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the City of Sarasota has announced. The facility is located at 1845 34th St. in Sarasota. "The symposium, hosted by the Newtown Community Health Action Team (CHAT), is intended to 'plant seeds to change how Newtown residents access healthy foods,'" according to event leaders, a news release says. The symposium will showcase various suc- cessful community initiatives in Florida, including youth-focused activities and pro- grams that link nutrition education, gardening and entrepreneurship, the release notes. On Feb. 21, Healthy Tasting Stations will be offered for youth and family members. The Tallahassee Food Network's Frenchtown- based youth empowerment and urban agriculture program, known as iGrow, will be featured, the release says. The Robert L. Taylor Complex's HARD: NOC (Honorable Alliance for Reclaiming Destiny: North Sarasota Original Chapter) youth program will also provide a presentation on its experi- ence with container gardening and its interest in civic leadership, the release says. A community engagement workshop on Feb. 22 "will address the importance of col- laborative efforts and cultural relevancy as they relate to food access and nutrition," the release continues. The workshop will also cover diet-related health issues as well as the impacts of poverty on education. "Common themes will be youth leadership, engagement and entrepreneurship," the release adds. According to public health officials, the rise in obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke can be partly attributed to the foods people consume, the release points out. "People live in a fast-paced society that leaves little room for freshly prepared fruits and vegetables," the release says. "Instead people have become dependent on fast foods and chain restaurants that offer high-calorie, low-nutrient foods." Pre-registration is required. To register, call or text 861-2779 or visit newtownfood.com. Childcare will be available. GROWING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES SYMPOSIUM PLANNED The Robert L. Taylor Community Complex is located on 34th Street in north Sarasota. File photo Sarasota News Leader February 14, 2014 Page 83