Iowa Healthiest State Initiative Monthly Momentum - July
The Iowa Healthiest State Initiative’s programs and events strive to create awareness and provide solutions to improve the physical, social and mental well-being of Iowans. Every month through Monthly Momentum, we’ll share what our team did through our four main programs Make It OK, Double Up Food Bucks, Produce Rx, and 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! the month prior to realize that mission! There are tons of ways to get involved whether your passion is mental, social, or physical health, so join us in ensuring every Iowan can live their healthiest life, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media so you never miss a thing!
Produce Prescription
In July, the statewide Iowa Produce Rx Program made some improvements to make fruits and veggies more affordable and accessable for participants. We increased the monthly "prescription" amount from $30 to $40 per person. Also, participants can now place orders in their Iowa Fresh mobile app for home delivery of produce boxes fulfilled by our friends at Capital City Fruit!
Double Up Food Bucks
Since January 1, Double Up Food Bucks Iowa has welcomed over 10,000 new users — a 451% increase from 2024! This incredible growth is thanks to the strong support from our participating sites and the expanded access through online enrollment.
Make It OK
This past month, we trained 2 new Make It OK Ambassadors, increasing our total to 86. Brianna hosted quarterly roundtables for both Ambassadors and Registered Workplaces where they discussed and reviewed May activities, upcoming HSI events and shared new changes being developed for our Registered Workplace component of Make It OK.
HSI Partners with IMT Des Moines Marathon
The inaugural "Healthiest State Initiative 1 Mile Presented by HealthPartners" will take place on Sunday, October 19, as part of the IMT Des Moines Marathon weekend festivities. This untimed, family-friendly walk is designed to be accessible for all ages and abilities and will highlight the shared mission of both organizations to encourage physical activity and build a culture of health throughout Iowa.
Iowans of all ages and abilities invited to register for the 1-mile event
Participants in the Healthiest State Initiative 1 Mile Presented by HealthPartners will enjoy a scenic one-mile route through downtown Des Moines, concluding at the Marathon’s finish line where they’ll receive commemorative medals and access to the post-race celebration. Iowans from every corner of the state can register to participate virtually and still receive a medal while walking in their own community. The event was created to welcome Iowans of all backgrounds and abilities to get active and take part in the race day festivities.
Registration for the Healthiest State Initiative 1 Mile Presented by HealthPartners will cost $25 or $30 to participate virtually, and is now open at www.desmoinesmarathon.com. Proceeds will benefit the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative’s ongoing work to support health and well-being throughout the state.