Cultivating Youth Wellness: Initiative by Solon High School Students Debuts with Community Healthy Food Drive & Educational Courses

Youth today face numerous challenges in maintaining a healthy diet. The prevalence of processed and fast foods, high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, makes these options more accessible and appealing than nutritious choices. Additionally, a lack of nutritional education leaves many young people unaware of what makes up a balanced diet. Socioeconomic factors also play a significant role, as not all families can afford fresh, healthy foods or have access to them due to "food deserts." Busy lifestyles and the marketing of unhealthy foods further contribute to poor dietary choices.

Promoting healthy food to the youth is essential as it supports physical growth, cognitive and mental health, and helps establish lifelong healthy eating habits. Proper nutrition can improve academic performance, prevent obesity and related chronic diseases, and foster better social and behavioral outcomes. Educating young people about sustainable food choices can lead to a healthier population and a more environmentally conscious future.

Launching A4YH First Service Project: Community Healthy Food Drive

By emphasizing the importance of nutritious eating habits, A4YH aims to raise awareness about the benefits of a balanced diet and support the well-being of community members. The healthy food drive not only addresses immediate food insecurity but also educates and inspires healthier lifestyle choices, contributing to the overall health and resilience of the community.

A4YH's first major initiative was a Community Healthy Food Drive in the Cleveland area, which took place on July 20-21, 2024. This event focused on collecting and distributing wholesome, nutrient-rich foods to families in need, ensuring everyone in the community had access to the essentials for a healthy diet. The drive encouraged donations of non-perishable food, healthy snacks, whole grain pasta, lean proteins, low-sodium canned food, and other nutritious items.

Volunteers, including dedicated high school students Josephyn Liao (Solon), Emma Wang (Beachwood), Selina Huang (St. Vincent-St. Mary), Chengyu Li (Beachwood), Nathan Ho (Westlake), Izzy Liu (Solon), Olivia Liu (Solon), and Annika Lin (Hudson), worked together to discuss weekly on Zoom, organize the event tasks, encourage community participation, design flyers, sort the healthy food, and deliver it to the food pantry. During the two-day healthy food drive across five locations, we collected nearly 200 items and delivered them to the Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland Food Pantry - Migration and Refugee Services.

The Volunteer Manager from the Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland, Ann Danuloff, welcomed the team and received the healthy food donations. She wrote a thank you note, saying, “On behalf of Catholic Charities, Migration & Refugee Services, thank you to you and the volunteers of your organization for your lovely donation of several boxes of non-perishable food items. Your generosity will go a long way in helping newly-arrived refugee families as they set-up their homes and we help them stock their kitchens. Thank you for walking hand-in-hand with our refugees.”

According to their VP of Outreach, Selina Huang described their experiences,, “We are very happy to take the initiative to give back to northeast Ohio’s in-need communities.” They will continue their efforts with the next healthy food drive for communities in California and Georgia in the coming months.”

Free Food & Nutrition Courses Now Available

In the meantime to develop several Healthy Food Drives for the communities, Actions for Youth Health (A4YH) is thrilled to announce the launch of their comprehensive Food & Nutrition Course Series to support their goals. This series of free online courses, available through their website and YouTube channel, is designed to educate youth about healthy eating habits and sustainable food choices. These resources aim to ensure that young people are well-equipped to lead healthier lives. The courses are continuously being developed and include:

Nutrition Basics: Learn the fundamentals of nutrition, including the essential nutrients needed for a balanced diet, the importance of vitamins and minerals, and how to read food labels.

Healthy Eating Habits: Discover practical tips and strategies for maintaining a healthy diet, including meal planning, portion control, and mindful eating practices.

Sustainable Food Choices: Understand the impact of your food choices on the environment. Learn about sustainable farming practices, reducing food waste, and how to make eco-friendly decisions when shopping for groceries.

How to Access:

Website: Visit act4youthhealth.org to access our full range of courses.

YouTube Channel: Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest video content, including tutorials, webinars, and more. YouTube Channel

These resources aim to ensure that every young person is well-equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to lead a healthier life. Chengyu Li, Graphic Design Director of A4YH, said: “By educating youth about the importance of nutrition and sustainable eating, we hope to inspire lifelong healthy habits that contribute to overall well-being.”

Community Support and Future Projects

A4YH is grateful for the community's support and participation in their first service project. Josephyn, their founder and president, encourages everyone to join them in their mission to empower youth and foster healthier communities. Follow A4YH on social media for updates, health advice, and information on future events!

Website: act4youthhealth.org

Instagram: instagram.com/act4youth.health

Facebook: facebook.com/act4youth.health

YouTube: A4YH YouTube Channel