Kane County Health Department Wins SHIP Video Challenge Contest

Video recaps KCHD efforts to enhance community gardening

Kane County Health Department's video featuring community gardening efforts has been selected by Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) as a winner in its "SHIP Video Challenge" contest. The State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) is the state's plan to address the most pressing health issues facing Illinois residents. To tell the story of how Kane County is addressing obesity: nutrition and physical activity, one of the SHIP's primary health concerns, Health Department staff recorded footage and took pictures of gardens in the county and worked with the Information Technologies Department to submit a polished video for consideration. Kane County's video focused on the many community garden efforts in the county, both public and private, that are helping residents grow their own food and incorporate physical activity while tending their gardens. Gardening is an example of how the department is implementing the Kane County Community Health Improvement Plan's strategy to increase consumption of and access to fresh fruits and vegetables. It also highlights the Fit Kids 2020 Plan and its goal to reverse the epidemic of childhood obesity by 2020. Kane County was one of ten organizations in the state to be selected for a $1,500 award and it will use the funding to enhance gardening efforts at the community garden located on Highland Avenue in Aurora. The department offers 90 garden plots for lease and this year 80 are being used by refugee families through a partnership with World Relief.

To watch the video, click here! 

Questions or comments? Contact Jackie Forbes with the Kane County Health Department.