The Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition (MFFC) is a grassroots organization dedicated to promoting health, wellness, and an active lifestyle within the Mattapan community. Founded in 2006 by Vivien Morris, a pediatric dietician, MFFC addresses significant health challenges faced by Mattapan residents through community-led solutions.
Addressing Core Issues in Mattapan
MFFC identified five core issues impacting the health and well-being of Mattapan residents:
- Environmental Inequities: Working to create a cleaner and safer environment for all residents.
- Lack of Healthy Food Access: Increasing access to affordable and nutritious food options.
- Lack of Youth Engagement Opportunities: Providing meaningful activities and leadership roles for young people.
- Feeling Unheard: Ensuring that residents' voices are heard and acted upon.
- Limited Physical Activity Opportunities: Creating opportunities for residents of all ages to be physically active.
To address these issues, MFFC has established five focus areas, each designed to bring community-driven solutions to Mattapan. The organization's work demonstrates the power of community leadership and fosters a sense of family among its participants.
Serving the Mattapan Community
MFFC primarily serves the Mattapan community, welcoming all neighbors to participate in its events, services, and programs. The organization offers specialized programs for seniors, youth, and families with children, reaching approximately 7,000 community members annually, with the goal of expanding its reach even further.
MFFC operates as a collaborative organization, uniting residents, organizations, and other stakeholders to improve the food and physical activity environments in Mattapan. Through its membership, networks, and partnerships, MFFC actively promotes healthy behaviors.
Read also: Healthy food access with Highmark Wholecare explained.
Vision for a Healthier Mattapan
MFFC envisions Mattapan becoming recognized as one of Boston's healthiest communities, characterized by easy access to affordable and healthy food options, as well as clean, safe, walkable, and bikeable streets. The organization strives to leverage Mattapan's rich ethnic and cultural diversity to foster a healthy living environment that prioritizes access to healthy foods and the promotion of physical fitness for all ages.
Supporting Community Wellness Programs
Support MFFC in their efforts to strengthen food access and community wellness programs across Mattapan. Your donation helps sustain that story. Together, we can continue building a healthier, more connected Mattapan.
Key Programs and Initiatives
MFFC implements a variety of programs and initiatives across its five focus areas:
Food Access and Nutrition Education
- Mattapan Square Farmers Market: Operating for 18 seasons, the farmers market serves 200 to 400 people every Saturday from July through October, providing access to fresh, local produce.
- Summer Eats Programs: Overseeing two Summer Eats programs to ensure children and families have access to nutritious meals during the summer months.
- Community Gardens: Supporting two community gardens, empowering residents to grow their own fruits and vegetables.
- Cooking Classes: Offering cooking classes to teach residents how to prepare healthy and delicious meals.
- Healthy Mattapan Campaign: Promoting the use of community gardens, farmers markets, and farm stands to increase residents' healthy food consumption.
Physical Activity
- Bike Education and Biking Events: Providing bike education and organizing biking events for residents of all ages, including the annual Mattapan on Wheels event, the largest biking event in New England for people of color.
- Walking Challenge: Hosting a Walking Challenge to encourage residents to incorporate more walking into their daily routines.
- Mattapan Moving For Life Event: Organizing the Mattapan Moving For Life event, which combines physical activity and healthy eating.
- Fitness Classes: Conducting fitness classes to promote physical activity and improve overall health.
Youth Development
- Vigorous Youth: Engaging a group of 8 youth who support the organization and lead activities of their own, empowering them to become leaders in their community.
Built Environment
- Utilizing Parks, Gardens, and Rivers: Leveraging parks, gardens, and rivers for health and wellness activities, creating opportunities for residents to connect with nature and engage in physical activity.
- Walk Audits: Conducting walk audits to assess the walkability of the community and identify areas for improvement.
Community Empowerment
- Convening Public Meetings: Hosting public meetings to gather input from residents and ensure their voices are heard.
- Employing Community Residents: Employing community residents to support them on community-led projects, fostering a sense of ownership and investment in the community's well-being.
Collaborative Efforts and Partnerships
MFFC collaborates with various organizations and partners to expand its reach and impact, including:
- Boston Banks Urban Renewal Group (BBURG)
- Boston Children’s Collaboration for Community Health
- Mattapan Teens
- Local Restaurants: Partnering with local restaurants to make their menus and recipes healthier.
- MBTA: Collaborating with the MBTA to improve access to outdoor recreational resources, such as the Blue Hills Reservation.
Addressing Health Disparities in Mattapan
Mattapan faces significant health disparities due to a combination of factors, including:
Read also: Satisfy Your Cravings with Whole Foods
- Historical Context: The legacy of institutional racism and discriminatory practices has contributed to the concentration of fast food outlets and unhealthy food options in the community.
- Socioeconomic Factors: Mattapan is a low-income neighborhood with a high percentage of residents of color, many of whom are first-generation immigrants.
- Limited Access to Healthy Food: Residents often have limited access to affordable and nutritious food options, leading to poor dietary habits.
- Lack of Resources: Limited resources and infrastructure can hinder access to healthcare, recreational facilities, and other essential services.
MFFC is committed to addressing these health disparities by providing community-driven solutions that promote healthy eating, physical activity, and overall well-being.
Measuring Success and Impact
MFFC measures its success through a combination of qualitative and quantitative data, including:
- Informal Conversations with Residents: Gathering feedback from residents through informal conversations at events and programs.
- Community Surveys: Conducting community surveys to understand the needs and priorities of residents.
- Participation Rates: Tracking participation rates in events and programs to assess the organization's reach.
- Health Outcomes: Monitoring health outcomes in the community to measure the impact of MFFC's programs.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience
MFFC faces numerous challenges in its efforts to improve the health and well-being of the Mattapan community, including:
- Limited Funding: Securing adequate funding to support its programs and initiatives.
- Community Engagement: Engaging residents and fostering a sense of ownership and participation.
- Systemic Barriers: Addressing systemic barriers that contribute to health disparities.
- Measuring Impact: Accurately measuring the impact of its programs on health outcomes.
Despite these challenges, MFFC remains committed to its mission and continues to adapt and innovate to meet the evolving needs of the community.
Read also: Healthy Eating on the Run