Start of summer farmers market season brings healthy food access to Auburn community

June 26, 2015.Reading time 4 minutes.

June 7 marks the opening of the Auburn Farmers Market. This year, building on last summer’s success, the market will continue to bring more affordable healthy food to residents. Last summer, with the help of Washington Community Action Network (Washington CAN!), community leaders in Auburn piloted an innovative program at the farmers market—the Good Food Bag […]

Turning a putting green into farm greens: A hole-in-one for South King County food banks

May 28, 2015.Reading time 2 minutes.

While a golf course and a food bank seem like an unlikely pair, opportunities to build partnerships in South King County have no boundaries. A new partnership will transform four acres of the former Elk Run golf course in Maple Valley into a farm with produce going directly to food banks in South King County. […]

Nudging students to make healthier choices: How the Kent School District is bringing behavioral economics principles to their lunchrooms

May 26, 2015.Reading time 5 minutes.

It turns out that encouraging students to make healthier choices in the lunchroom can be accomplished affordably and without a major overhaul of the cafeteria. Research shows that small changes like making the salad bar the highlight of the lunchroom, displaying fruit in attractive baskets, or placing healthy foods by the cash register can influence […]

Beyond gym class: How cities can help kids increase their physical activity

February 11, 2015.Reading time 4 minutes.

Who plays a role in making sure kids get enough exercise each day? Parents certainly. Schools, yes—that’s why we have gym class and recess. But what about city governments? Well, it turns out that they can play a role, too. Des Moines is one city that has taken the charge head on and is seeing […]

Donna Oberg retires after 30 exceptional years of public health service

October 17, 2014.Reading time 4 minutes.

Donna Oberg, MPH, RD, Nutrition Consultant, Project Manager III retired in mid-October after 30 years of dedicated public service with Public Health – Seattle & King County. Her eyes and personality sparkle as she reflects upon her career and her passion and dedication to improving the public’s health. Throughout her career, Donna strongly held a […]