Jackson in Action(JIA) is a community coalition that promotes healthy lifestyles for children, their families, and the greater community in Jackson County, Wisconsin. The group is launching a county-wide healthy living challenge called 5-2-1-0 (Every Day), which encourages people to choose “5” Fruits and vegetables; “2” hours of recreational screen time or less; “1” Hour of exercise and “0” sugary beverages every day. These are evidence-based healthy living goals that are part of a national initiative. “The challenge is designed to promote good choices and remind us that it can be fun and easy to eat healthy and become more active,” explained Nicole Schweitzer, JIA Coalition Chair. “We are thrilled to offer this 5-2-1-0 Challenge right at the beginning of summer. Everyone can participate--Just complete the two-week tracker and strive to take small steps for improvement.” Registered participants who return their tracker will be eligible for a $100 drawing and additional prizes.
The tracker form is available for download on the website (www.jacksoninaction.org/5210challenge/). Paper copies can also be picked up and deposited once completed at the Boys & Girls Club in Black River Falls or Black River Memorial Hospital Cafeteria.
The website www.JacksonInAction.org is a “hub” for active living and healthy eating. It includes an option on the home page to register for updates and information. Designed to be the “go to” source for healthy activities and resources in Jackson County, you’ll find fitness events, Harvest of the Month information, recipes, a Blog and links to hiking trails, maps and more.
Members of the group include Black River Memorial Hospital, Ho-Chunk Nation, Jackson County Dept. of Health & Human Services, UW-Extension-Jackson County, Lunda Community Center, Together For Jackson County Kids, Boys & Girls Clubs, Gordy’s Market and local school districts and community members.
About JIA: Jackson In Action (JIA) became a coalition in 2011, when a group of concerned agencies came together to increase physical activity and nutrition, and decrease poor health and eating habits. Since its inception, JIA was able to obtain grant funding through the Wisconsin Office of Rural Health (WIORH). With this funding, the group created and sustained a Harvest of the Month (HOM) initiative which raises awareness of healthy harvest items every month including fruits and vegetables, and encourages community members and families to try new healthy food items and recipes. HOM is now being sustained in several partner organizations, including two school districts, Black River Memorial Hospital, Jackson County Women, Infants and Children (JCWIC) and the Ho-Chunk Health Care Center. JIA has also hosted several physical activity events, launched a pallet garden project in which we piloted pallet gardens to specific populations in Jackson County.
Individuals, employees and families are encouraged to join the challenge by registering at www.JacksonInAction.org.
If you have an event to be added to the events calendar on the website, email Dawn at JacksonInAction12@gmail.com
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Jackson in Action – Healthy Eating. Active Living - is a non-profit healthy living organization based in Jackson County, Wisconsin. For more information visit: www.jacksoninaction.org
JIA Blog and Media Contact: Ruth Lahmayer Chipps, MS, RDN, CD chippsr@brmh.net