Active Green Space

While fitness has long been a cornerstone of the YMCA of Metro Chicago, to drive even greater impact, we expanded our focus to include an emphasis on nutrition education and health and wellness programming through the Active Green Space program at the Rauner Family YMCA, made possible through a generous grant from The Chicago Community Trust. The Trust also provides support of Active Green Space programming at McCormick Tribune YMCA.

The Hispanic-majority Pilsen neighborhood served by the Rauner Family Y has child obesity figures of nearly 40 percent according to the Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children (CLOCC). The Active Green Space aims to combat these negative health outcomes by providing educational health and wellness programming and increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables through its community garden for youth, families, and community members.

Active Green Space programming at the Rauner Family Y has continued to evolve since the community garden was planted in 2015. Upcoming programs include:

• Cooking Matters (currently taking place)

• Teen Cooking Showcases

• Community Garden Days

• Foodies teen cooking program

All programs that are part of the Active Green Space aim to:

• Build knowledge of health, nutrition, and sustainable practices

• Develop practical healthy living skills

• Create advocates of healthy living in our communities

The Active Green Space represents the Y’s commitment to promoting the vitality of Chicago neighborhoods through accessible, community-centered wellness programming.