What is Communities ChooseWell?
Communities ChooseWell is a provincial program that inspires and supports local healthy living champions, organizations and municipal governments across Alberta to transform their communities into places where eating well and being active are easy choices for everyone.
We support participating healthy living champions, organizations and municipal governments with:
- Opportunities for funding
- Virtual and face-to-face learning and peer networking opportunities
- Recognition and celebration of accomplishments
- Information tools and resources
- Assistance with local planning and community engagement
- Support from program staff
We encourage our program members (“ChooseWell Champions”) to use a Healthy Communities Approach as they work to improve healthy eating and active living. This means engaging community members and local governments, collaborating with other organizations and sectors, building upon existing community resources and strengths, and focusing on creating sustainable change, like policy.
Communities ChooseWell is a program of the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association and has been funded by Alberta Health from 2006-09 and 2010-2023. This partnership unites the recreation and health sectors by their common goals of improving the health and wellbeing of Albertans and their communities.
Click here to learn how you can get involved in Communities ChooseWell and access support to make your community a healthier place!
Why Are Healthy Communities Important?
Health and wellbeing aren’t just influenced by our biology or by hospitals, doctors, and drugs; most of what determines health and wellbeing happens outside of the health care system and in the places where people live, learn, work, and play – in communities.
For example:
- Can community members access and afford healthy food?
- Are there safe and accessible places to go walking or ride a bicycle?
- Do community events and facilities offer healthy choices?
- Is there a culture of wellness the community?
A ChooseWell community is one in which multiple sectors are working together to improve the conditions that affect healthy eating and active living so that it’s easier for all residents, regardless of age or ability, to make healthy choices every day.
Check out our collection of inspiring stories from recipients of ChooseWell’s annual Healthy Community Awards to see how communities across Alberta are taking action to better support their community members to eat well and be active.