Cultivate partnerships to further the implementation of wellness programs.

Wellness programs play a key role in enhancing quality of life. Having access to healthy food options and resources that foster physical, mental, and social wellbeing are critical to maintaining a vibrant community. The City is continuously focused on creating opportunities to promote community wellness through the expansion and cultivation of new partnerships.

Since 2018, the City has collaborated with local residents, community partners, and healthcare providers to provide the Southside Farmers Market and Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Rx Program. This partnership increases access to fresh produce for the Bond Neighborhood. During the 2021 Southside Farmers Market season, local farmers offered approximately 2.5 tons of fresh food to the community. In December 2021, 15 residents graduated from the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Rx program, a component of the farmers market. Another cohort is planned for fiscal year 2022. Additionally, the City is continuing its partnership with Second Harvest to distribute healthy food to families and youth in our community centers. This year, we have created a Second Harvest Food Pantry Program at Walker Ford for residents and families in the Bond community.

To serve the needs of our Senior community, the City provides a number of comprehensive health and wellness programs through longstanding and new partnerships. In 2022, the City was awarded the Innovation in Health Award by the National Recreation and Park Association for its UPSLIDE Program. Utilizing and Promoting Social Engagement for Loneliness, Isolation and Depression in the Elderly, or UPSLIDE, is a unique, comprehensive program of the Tallahassee Senior Center (TSC) that provides social interaction opportunities for people age 50 and up. UPLSIDE is a partnership between the City and the TSC Foundation. Since 2018, UPSLIDE has helped nearly 500 participants.

Through these and many other expanding partnerships, the City is working to foster a culture of health in the community. In 2021-2022 alone, the City offered 61 health awareness events via Zoom, Facebook, and in-person. By educating residents on healthy eating, creating opportunities to access healthy food options, and providing extensive wellness programs, Tallahassee is becoming a stronger, more resilient community.

Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs. Last Updated: Last updated: August 2022.