Healthier Habits | S2 E3: Building Healthier Schools: Inside the Work of the Healthy Schools Campaign

In this episode of Healthier Habits, we explore the powerful role of school wellness and community engagement with Kenneth Varner and Jovita Flores from the Healthy Schools Campaign (HSC). Kenneth shares his journey from school health coordinator to championing green schoolyard transformations through the Space to Grow program. Jovita discusses the impact of parent leadership and organizing through Parents United for Healthy Schools. Together, they show how HSC is making wellness a foundation of education in Chicago—especially within Black, Latino, and Asian communities. From nature-filled playgrounds to culturally relevant health tools, this conversation highlights how schools can become centers for long-term community change. 🎧 Guests • Kenneth Varner — Senior Community Engagement Manager, Healthy Schools Campaign • Jovita Flores — Manager, Parents United for Healthy Schools, Healthy Schools Campaign 🔗 Mentioned Resources • Healthy Schools Campaign • Instagram: @HealthySchools • Facebook: @HealthySchools • YouTube: Healthy Schools Channel 📣 Presented by CPHP • CPHP Website • Eat. Move. Save. Meal Kit • Instagram: @eat.move.save.chicago • Facebook: @eat.move.save.chicago • YouTube: UIC OCEAN-HP