Healthy Environments Active Living Unclaimed

Training for Community Health Workers to enhance skills and knowledge.

TOP Star enhances children's health by improving childcare nutrition and activity standards.

Transform food offerings into healthier choices across Utah's venues.

Connects Utahns with local farmers markets and supports nutritional assistance programs.

Provides vital food assistance resources and support for Utah residents in need.

Provides a pathway for Community Health Workers to gain state certification in Utah.

Programs that develop, certify, and transition training for community health workers, including core competency instruction, certification application support, and state-to-association training pathways.

Technical assistance and policy support to increase availability and appeal of healthy foods in retail and institutional settings through menu planning, product placement, nutritional analysis, policy recommendations, recognition, and implementation funding support.

Community food security and access programs that connect residents to benefits and incentives (SNAP enrollment assistance, Double Up Food Bucks, Produce Rx), food finder resources, and coordinated feed-and-resilience initiatives.

Quality improvement and endorsement for early childcare settings to support breastfeeding, nutrition standards, physical activity, staff training, policy development, and local specialist guidance.

CHW Core Skills Training Program

CHW Core Skills Training Program provides core skills training for Community Health Workers (CHWs) as part of the HEAL program. The course will no longer be offered after April 2025. Future CHW Core Skills Training Courses will be offered through the Utah Community Health Workers Association (UCHWA). For certificates, contact Cassie Cowdell; information is also available via Joyce Kim and the UCHWA site.

• Program Ends April 2025
  This program will cease to exist post-April 2025, marking an essential timeline for participants.
• Future Courses Through UCHWA
  The transition ensures continuity of training for CHWs through the Utah Community Health Workers Association.
• Obtain Certificates When Needed
  Participants can request copies of their training certificates to validate their qualifications.
• Contact For Inquiries
  Participants can reach out to Joyce Kim for additional program information and to Cassie Cowdell for certificate requests.

TOP Star

TOP Star is a HEAL program to improve nutrition, physical activity, and breastfeeding environments in early childcare settings. It offers free online continuing education training (for endorsement), policy development assistance, menus, lesson plans, posters, and tools. TOP Star facilities can be endorsed, with guidance from local health department specialists.

• Achieve Endorsement
  Facilities demonstrating excellence in nutrition, physical activity, and breastfeeding become officially endorsed, fostering healthier environments for children.
• Access Training
  Childcare providers can take advantage of free training tailored to enhance knowledge in supporting child health through proper nutrition and activity.
• Receive Guidance
  Local health specialists offer personalized assistance to childcare providers, ensuring effective implementation of TOP Star practices.
• Utilize Resources
  Providers receive comprehensive resources including policies, menus, and educational materials to support healthier childcare environments.
• Promote Breastfeeding
  TOP Star facilities enhance breastfeeding practices, recognizing its importance in establishing healthy habits from a young age.

Eat Well Utah

Eat Well Utah is the statewide initiative to make healthy food choices more available and appealing wherever food is served or sold. It offers organization-level support through patron-desire assessments, technical assistance (nutritional analysis, menu planning, product placement), policy recommendations and educational materials, and promotion via a recognition system, with potential funding for implementation efforts.

• Evaluate Patron Preferences
  Conduct assessments to understand what food options patrons prefer, allowing tailored food offerings.
• Receive Potential Funding
  Organizations may receive funding to implement healthier food options based on grant availability.
• Receive Expert Support
  Access technical assistance for creating healthier menus and optimizing food placement for better patron choices.
• Get Policy Guidance
  Receive expert recommendations to create policies promoting healthy food purchases among patrons.
• Achieve Recognition
  Participating organizations can gain recognition for their commitment to offering healthier food choices.

Farmers Markets

Farmers Markets information page describing efforts to connect Utahns to farmers markets. The HEAL program supports Utah markets through outreach to SNAP Double Up Food Bucks participation, with technical support and resources. It also highlights SNAP acceptance, 211 food resources, Waste Less Solutions, CFSP programs, Double Up, Produce Rx, and Feed UT initiatives.

• Supports Low-Income Families
  Markets that accept SNAP/EBT help low-income families access fresh produce, ensuring broader community participation.
• Enhances Purchasing Power For SNAP Users
  The Double Up Food Bucks program allows SNAP users to double their purchasing power for local produce, fostering healthier eating habits.
• Connects To Vital Community Resources
  Access essential food resources through established connections with 211, Utah Food Bank, Waste Less Solutions, and the Community Food Security Program.
• Improves Health Through Nutrition
  In collaboration with healthcare providers, eligible patients can receive vouchers to buy fruits and vegetables at local markets, promoting overall health.
• Strengthens Local Food Systems
  This program works to ensure equitable access to nutritious food for all residents while boosting local agriculture.
• Facilitates Market Sustainability
  Provides essential technical resources to help both new and established farmers markets operate effectively.

Food For Those Who Need It

Food For Those Who Need It outlines Utah’s food resources to assist people in times of need. It covers SNAP information and enrollment assistance, Utahns Against Hunger, Utah Food Bank, the 211 food finder, Waste Less Solutions, the Community Food Security Program (Double Up Food Bucks and Produce Rx), the Feed UT Project, and related support networks.

• Doubles SNAP Benefits Up To $30
  The programs allow eligible SNAP participants to double their benefits at farmers markets, making fresh produce more affordable.
• Assists With SNAP Enrollment
  Provides details and support for struggling families to enroll in the SNAP program, ensuring they have access to essential food resources.
• Links Community With Food Resources
  Utilizes a website that helps the community find food pantries and meal options across Utah.
• Helps Locate Food Resources
  The 211 food finder connects individuals to local food assistance programs, while Waste Less Solutions focuses on reducing food waste.
• Connects Communities To Food Banks
  Utilizes local resources to ensure individuals and families receive adequate food assistance through established networks.

CHW State Certification

CHW State Certification is a state-run certification program for Community Health Workers. The program is voluntary; some employers may require certification to work as a CHW. Information and application details are available at the CHW State Certification page and related Healthequity site.

• Access Certification Information
  Gain detailed insights on the certification process and requirements for Community Health Workers.
• Meet Employer Standards
  Fulfill employer criteria for working as a Community Health Worker by obtaining certification.
• Access UCHWA Resources
  Utilize services offered by UCHWA for ongoing training and resource support.
• Pursue Optional Certification
  Understand that certification is not mandatory for all CHW roles, providing flexible career options.