Activity Summary: Research from the University of Oxford has revealed that the more often people eat with others, the more likely they are to feel happy and satisfied with their lives. The researchers looked at the link between social eating and an individual’s happiness, the number of friends they have, their connection to their community, and overall satisfaction with life. The results suggest that communal eating increases social bonding and feelings of well-being, and enhances one’s sense of contentedness and embedding within the community. The Administration for Community Living’s Congregate Meals Program for adults 60+ has shown communal meals can improve health for that population, provide access to food and increase social activity.

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Activities include identifying a structure plans were developed with input from the community for renovations to the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library. Plans include an outdoor activity area for kids. There was also a need identified for accessibility to bus stops at the Library. .

Represents an individual’s ability to access resources such as food, housing or healthcare, as well
as creating a healthy business culture to help an employer attract and retain talent, reduce absenteeism and turnover, and improve productivity.

Healthier Food Retail/Farmers Market

Activity Summary: Farmers markets provide communities with sources of locally grown, fresh produce during the growing season while also providing local producers with additional retail opportunities to sell their produce. The success of a local farmers market depends on the availability of local growers to provide fresh produce, a commitment from local community members to buy produce at the market, and access to a space for the farmers market to operate. Farmers markets that accept EBT and other food benefits can create opportunities for low-income community members to obtain fresh, local and healthy food.

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Action: Geary Community Farmers Market received Phase 2 Pathways implementation funds to provide additional incentives for food benefit users and seniors, marketing and promotion, and kid’s nutrition activities. For sustainability, work has started to move toward combining the Thursday night GCFM and the Saturday Junction City Main Street Markets to operate as the Junction City Markets. Last season the markets were in different locations but shared a market manager and staff. For the 2025 season, the markets will be in the same location and operate with one manager and a staff of market coordinators. A Farmers Market online management platform has been implemented to make market operations more efficient.