The Fort Worth Independent School District with 12,000 employees and nearly 88,000 students in now the largest school district in the country to become a Blue Zones Project Approved worksite.
Blue Zones Project is a community-led well-being improvement initiative making healthy choices easier in cities across the country, including Fort Worth.
Many FWISD employees have gotten involved in the initiative, Blue Zones Project Fort Worth said in a news release.
“Blue Zones is making a real difference when it comes to the health and happiness of our residents, and I’m proud to lend my support,” said Superintendent Kent P. Scribner. “What’s happening benefits families today and lays the groundwork for better well-being for generations to come.”
To become Blue Zones Project Approved, Fort Worth ISD completed the Blue Zones Worksite Pledge, adding to its existing wellness program. Changes include forming a well-being advisory committee, hosting plant-based cooking demonstrations, and supporting walking and standing meetings, among other best practices.
In addition to becoming a Blue Zones Project Approved worksite, 33 Fort Worth ISD campuses are Blue Zones Project Approved schools – organizing Walking School Buses, incorporating movement into lessons throughout the day, adding more fresh produce to the lunch menu, and teaching children downshifting techniques.
Students are even leading efforts as Blue Zones Project junior ambassadors.
“Healthy behaviors and academic success go hand in hand,” Matt Dufrene, vice president of Blue Zones Project Fort Worth, said in the news release. “We also know that if we want our communitywide efforts to be sustainable, we have to engage the next generation. That’s what we’re doing in Fort Worth ISD.”
Throughout Fort Worth, more than 300 businesses and organizations have joined the movement to better well-being, while 87,000 residents have taken the Blue Zones Personal Pledge or gotten involved in a Blue Zones Project activity.
– FWBP staff
