Novato Healthy Food Coalition

Promoting healthy choices close to home

We are brimming with ideas, and welcome as much participation as we can get to turn them into reality!  You can help keep current projects moving forward, and/or get new projects off the ground, even with a few hours of your time.  If any of these initiatives interest you, or if you have ideas of your own, please complete our Activities Survey today!

The NHFC recently announced its first legislative endorsement, for AB 90, introduced by State Assembly Members Jared Huffman and Ted Lieu to prohibit serving or sale of food items containing trans fats public schools (K-12).  The bill passed out of the Assembly Education Committee in mid-March, and will soon be scheduled for hearing by the Health Committee.  Stay tuned!

After a massive letter-writing campaign initiated by the NHFC that produced over 300 letters to Whole Foods and the City Council, Whole Foods signed an agreement with the Lalanne Group to build a new store in Downtown Novato.  This mixed-use project was approved by the City Council in December, 2005, and recently cleared the final round of design review.  We look forward to the beginning of construction on this project, which will benefit Novato in so many ways!

This project is just a concept at this point—we need people to brainstorm and help it take shape!  The idea is that we can help kids realize that a lot of healthy foods are not only yummy, but fun to make and eat.  We’re thinking of starting small and early, with some fun, informal demos/talks in the early grades...maybe even growing to encompass some sort of classroom “cooking” fun!  Several schools have expressed interest, so if this idea appeals to you, we’d love to get your input and participation!  Just check the box on the Activities Survey if you’d like to hear more.

Over the next few years, the rest of the Novato Redevelopment District will take shape, beyond the Grant Avenue area.  We are looking for volunteers who are interested in ensuring that voices are heard to promote elements to encourage a healthy lifestyle within any development that happens.

We’d like to avoid more of “strip mall” proliferation and see development that integrates elements like outdoor mingling and play spaces, and pedestrian paths that encourage more walking—either between destinations or for just plain fun.  A community thrives on contact between its members, and we see a real chance to contribute to the overall health of our community.  If you are interested in participating in this effort, complete the Activities Survey today!

We have brainstormed some ideas and have spoken informally to a few restaurants around town — but we need volunteers to help solidify an action plan and get more restaurants involved!  If you are interested in helping to complete the planning for this project and get it off the ground, please fill out our Activities Survey today!

Assembly bill 90—prohibiting trans fats in public k-12 schools

Improving healthy lifestyle options downtown

Classroom “healthy food is fun” talks—pilot program

Whole Foods—Old Pini Mill Project

Healthy kids restaurant menus initiative

Activities