Live Well Springfield is a community based coalition that includes over 20 organizations working in Springfield. The coalition supports a grassroots movement towards health equity through improving access to healthy eating and active living opportunities. The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission is an active member of Live Well Springfield and has worked on food access projects and Springfield’s walking and bicycling plan as part of the Live Well Springfield initiative.  

In a recent partnership with Mercy Medical Center, Live Well Springfield received a $2.5 million grant from Trinity Health—Mercy Medical Center’s parent organization. The grant, which will be allocated over the course of five years, will help to fund and further the coalition’s work of creating a healthier Springfield. A number of local partners will be working on issues related to tobacco usage, nutrition and physical activity. Partners and initiatives include:

• Pioneer Valley Planning Commission-helping with the implementation of Springfield’s Complete Streets Plan
• Martin Luther King Family Services- working with teens on the reduction of tobacco usage
• HAP Housing- working with property owners on tobacco usage in housing developments
• Square One- Working with children and mothers that access their services to increase nutrition education and reduce obesity
• Springfield Food Policy Council- working on nutrition initiatives in Springfield Public Schools  including Breakfast in Classrooms and the use of locally grown food in school meals

For additional information on Live Well Springfield, click here.