Welcome! The Healthy Eating in Community Spaces Peer Learning Network (HECS PLN) is an online space for ChooseWell champions to network and connect to share their ideas, skills, resources and experiences on how to create or enhance healthy food environments in community spaces.
This peer learning network was originally called “Healthy Eating in Recreation Settings (HERS)”.
Some history: what is “Healthy Eating in Recreation Settings (HERS)” and why is it important?
Rooted in the Framework for Recreation in Canada, HERS initiatives advocate for healthy food and drinks to be offered any place where communities play and recreate. This includes parks, arenas, multipurpose facilities, indoor and outdoor fields, stadiums and more. By supporting both healthy eating and physical activity, recreation settings can encourage the community to be active for life, create lifelong healthy eating practices, reinforce public health messaging and help improve overall health. Check out Module 1 of the HERS eCourse to learn more about the current state of food in recreation settings.
From “Recreation Settings” to “Community Spaces”:
The name of this group changed to “HECS” in 2024 to reflect the wider range of conversations taking place in this group, and to encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing about healthy eating in a variety of spaces, both in recreation environments and any public community spaces where food and drinks may be offered. Check out the HECS eCourse Module to learn more!
“Community Spaces” include:
- Recreation facilities
- Community centers
- Parks and green spaces
- Schools and education facilities
- Municipal Buildings
- Offices and workplaces
- Libraries
- Public events
- Childcare and healthcare settings
- Military bases
- And many more!
Why Should I Join?
As part of the HECS PLN you get special access to:
- Virtual get-togethers and guest speakers
- Helpful resources shared by network members and Communities ChooseWell staff
- YourMembership online group and discussion forum, for ongoing support and connection
- Member profiles to facilitate direct collaboration, guidance and support among healthy living champions
Who Can Join?
Communities ChooseWell members who are interested in or currently working on practices, programs, policies, and/or partnerships to improve healthy eating in community spaces.
Wherever you may be involved in creating healthy eating environments in your community, your voice is welcome here!
How Can I Join?
Ready to become part of the movement?
When is the Next HECS PLN?
The next virtual Healthy Eating in Community Spaces PLN meet-up will be on Thursday November 20th from 10:30am – 12:00pm.
Questions? Please contact:
Emilia Grindlay
Program Officer, Healthy Eating & Engagement
Communities ChooseWell | Alberta Recreation and Parks Association
780-415-1745 ext. 203
egrindlay@arpaonline.ca