Project Highlights for Cochise Building Healthy Communities
Funded by the Legacy Foundation
The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension was selected as the organization to receive a $2 million strategic grant provided over 3 years to support work in the community focused on improving options for healthy eating and active living.
Read the News Story Program Impact Report
The Legacy Foundation, as a community partner with Cochise Health and Social Services, assisted in completing the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). As one of the three top priorities, Healthy Eating, Obesity, and Diabetes, the foundation designated the entire $2 million Strategic Grant towards this goal. Called the Building Healthy Communities Project, this grant was able to staff five full-time employees dedicated to promoting healthy eating and active living in Cochise County. The staff includes Sr. Program Coordinators dedicated to support the Healthy Communities Committees, a School Liaison, and a Garden & Pantry Specialist.
Hydration Stations
Fourteen indoor and outdoor stations were installed throughout the county in conjunction with the SNAP-Ed “Water Wins” campaign with healthy hydration toolkits. Funded by: Legacy Foundation of Southeastern Arizona
Partners included: Cochise Health and Social Services, Cochise County School Superintendent’s Office, Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, and First Things First.
Contact Evelyn Whitmer for more information regarding Hydration Stations
School Gardens
Provided a variety of educational topics that could reinforce students learning about nature, science, math, and reading and writing skills. It was also a wonderful way for students to learn cooperation and social skills in an outdoor setting.
The Garden Tower Project
Initiated in 2020-2021 and awarded 21 garden towers to pre-K through high schools, as well as non-profits. The award included 3-tier, 4-tier, and 5-tier garden towers, as well as potting soil, seeds, and gardening information.
Recipients included: Berean Academy in Sierra Vista, Bisbee Science Lab, Carmichael Head Start in Sierra Vista, Chiricahua Pediatrics Clinic in Douglas, Colonel Smith Middle School on Fort Huachuca, Community Montessori School of Bisbee, Douglas High School Lil' Bulldog Preschool, Douglas Public Library, Huachuca City Community Garden, Huachuca City Library, Lomeli Too and Lomeli's Childcare Center in Douglas, Loretto Catholic School in Douglas, Palominas Elementary School Special Ed Program, Pearce Elementary School in Pearce, St. David School Middle School & H.S. Agriculture Program and Special Ed Program, Valley View Preschool in Hereford, Willcox Against Substance Abuse (WASA) Head Start and Willcox Middle School Science Program.
Horticultural Therapy
An active process, in which the participant, aided by the therapist, engages with the plant world. Working with plants is a holistic endeavor that involves multiple domains of functioning including physical activity, cognitive/intellectual engagement, emotional investment, and social interaction.
Food Access
- Encouraged Pantries in Schools - School food pantries fill the gap for students and their families who don’t have adequate means to feed their families.
- Resources for School Food Pantries – The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, in partnership with the Building Healthy Communities team, supplied schools with technical and food safety advice, pantry funding, and food resources for schools who fit the demographics of need in Cochise County.
- Provide Information on Food Pantries - Located in many towns and cities in Cochise County. Some are in partnership and supplied by the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, located in Tucson, others are run by faith-based organizations.
- Partnered with The Huachuca City Community Garden - A non-profit that has produces approximately 4 tons of vegetables that have been distributed to low-income homes in the Huachuca City area free of charge. They are a wonderful example of how a community can serve their neighbors with fresh vegetables.