Healthier Habits

In our first-ever Healthier Habits Live episode, recorded at the Hunger and Health Illinois Regional Summit 2025, we explore the urgent and complex issue of food waste. Moderated by the Healthier Habits Podcast host, this panel features three powerhouse voices working at the intersection of sustainability, engineering, and community empowerment: Liz Bosarge, MPH (UIC Zero Waste Program Director), Raven Brown (Green Era Community Coordinator at Urban Growers Collective), and Lydia Vulich (UIC engineering student). Together, they unpack the economic and environmental costs of food waste, the systems that enable it, and the community-driven solutions already making an impact in Chicago. From composting innovations to food recovery networks, this conversation highlights how we can reclaim food waste as a valuable resource and how tackling it head-on can support a healthier, more equitable food system. Whether you're a policymaker, student, activist, or curious community member, this episode calls you to step into action.   CORRECTION NOTICE: Our guest kindly flagged a few clarifications after recording to ensure accuracy: Urban Growers Collective does not currently operate on the West Side of Chicago (though food access concerns remain significant on both the South and West Sides). The Green Era Campus is located about 20 minutes from the Loop, within Chicago city limits—not “downtown.” The reference to “phosphate” should have been phosphorus. We appreciate the opportunity to make these clarifications for our listeners.   🎧 Guests Liz Bosarge, MPH | UIC Zero Waste Program Director Raven Brown | Green Era Community Coordinator at Urban Growers Collective Lydia Vulich | UIC engineering student   Guest Resources: Urban Growers Collective 📸 Instagram: www.instagram.com/urbangrowerscollective 📘 Facebook: Facebook.com/urbangrowerscollective  Sustainability at UIC 📸 Instagram: www.instagram.com/sustainableuic 📘 Facebook: www.facebook.com/sustainableuic X https://x.com/sustainableuic   📣 Presented by CPHP (Chicago Partnership for Health Promotion) 🌐 CPHP Website - https://cphp.uic.edu/ 🥗 Eat. Move. Save. Meal Kit - https://go.uic.edu/mealkits 📸 Instagram: www.instagram.com/eat.move.save.chicago 📘 Facebook: www.facebook.com/eat.move.save.chicago 📺 YouTube: UIC OCEAN-HP / @uicocean-hp1379   !! NOTICE !! Due to recent cuts to SNAP-Ed through the BBB Bill, Chicago Partnership for Health Promotions (CPHP) and many programs like it across the country have been defunded. This podcast will no longer be active after 2025, and many of our public health colleagues will lose their roles, and services will end for thousands of families. We invite you to reach out to our guests directly for any resources, services, or information they offer.   If you value work like this, please contact your state senators. To support this specific program, reach out to OCEAN-HP. Your voice matters!   #OCEANHP #CPHP #EATMOVESAVE #HealthierHabits #Podcast #UIC #HealthierHabitsPodcast #foodwaste #foodsystems

In this episode, we sit down with Cammi Allton, Resident Services Coordinator for Mercy Housing’s Southside Chicago properties, to explore how permanent supportive housing transforms lives. With over a decade in humanitarian work and a passion for accessible resources, Cammi shares Mercy Housing’s mission, the history behind the organization, and who they serve.   We discuss the challenges residents face, the importance of nutrition education, and the ripple effect of community-centered programming. From inspiring success stories to future goals, Cammi offers an inside look at what it takes to foster healthy, supported communities and why this work matters now more than ever.   🎧 Guest Cameron "Cammi" Allton | Resident Services Coordinator II | Mercy Housing   🔗 Mentioned Resources 🌐 Mercy Housing – www.mercyhousing.org 📸 Instagram: @mercyhousing - www.instagram.com/mercyhousing 📘 Facebook:  @MercyHousing  - www.facebook.com/mercyhousing 📺 YouTube: www.youtube.com/@UCXQzCNL259CV7EGkAC41NfA   📣 Presented by CPHP (Chicago Partnership for Health Promotion) 🌐 CPHP Website - https://cphp.uic.edu/ 🥗 Eat. Move. Save. Meal Kit - https://go.uic.edu/mealkits 📸 Instagram: www.instagram.com/eat.move.save.chicago 📘 Facebook: www.facebook.com/eat.move.save.chicago 📺 YouTube: UIC OCEAN-HP / @uicocean-hp1379   !! NOTICE !! Due to recent cuts to SNAP-Ed through the BBB Bill, Chicago Partnership for Health Promotions (CPHP) and many programs like it across the country have been defunded. This podcast will no longer be active after 2025, and many of our public health colleagues will lose their roles, and services will end for thousands of families. We invite you to reach out to our guests directly for any resources, services, or information they offer.   If you value work like this, please contact your state senators. To support this specific program, reach out to OCEAN-HP. Your voice matters!   #OCEANHP #CPHP #EATMOVESAVE #HealthierHabits #Podcast #UIC #HealthierHabitsPodcast #housing

En este episodio especial en español de Healthier Habits, conversamos con Jessica “Remo” Saul, una destacada empresaria y coreógrafa latina, fundadora de The Art of Stepping® y The World of Step. Con su innovador Sistema Remo©, el primer plan de estudios escrito y aplicado a la danza mediante animación, contenido digital y fórmulas matemáticas, Remo ha transformado la enseñanza del stepping en programas educativos y de bienestar, dentro y fuera de los Estados Unidos. A través de nuestra charla, exploramos la inspiración detrás de su trabajo, el impacto de sus programas en la comunidad y cómo sus iniciativas fomentan la creatividad, la disciplina y la inclusión. Desde STEAM hasta la cultura del stepping, Remo nos muestra cómo el arte puede ser una poderosa herramienta para empoderar a jóvenes y líderes comunitarios. 🎧 Guest Jessica “Remo” Saul | Fundadora | The Art of Stepping® y The World of Step 🔗 Mentioned Resources 🌐 The Art of Stepping – https://artofstepping.com 📸 Instagram: @artofstepping - www.instagram.com/ArtofStepping 📘 Facebook: @artofstepping - www.facebook.com/ArtofStepping 📺 YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ArtOfStepping Tiktok: @artofstepping 📣 Presented by CPHP (Chicago Partnership for Health Promotion) 🌐 CPHP Website - https://cphp.uic.edu/ 🥗 Eat. Move. Save. Meal Kit - https://go.uic.edu/mealkits 📸 Instagram: www.instagram.com/eat.move.save.chicago 📘 Facebook: www.facebook.com/eat.move.save.chicago 📺 YouTube: UIC OCEAN-HP / @uicocean-hp1379 !! NOTICE !! Due to recent cuts to SNAP-Ed through the BBB Bill, Chicago Partnership for Health Promotions (CPHP) and many programs like it across the country have been defunded. This podcast will no longer be active after 2025, and many of our public health colleagues will lose their roles, and services will end for thousands of families. We invite you to reach out to our guests directly for any resources, services, or information they offer. If you value work like this, please contact your state senators. To support this specific program, reach out to OCEAN-HP. Your voice matters! #OCEANHP #CPHP #EATMOVESAVE #HealthierHabits #Podcast #UIC #HealthierHabitsPodcast #Dance #Exercise #Rythmn

In this inspiring episode of Healthier Habits, we sit down with Yaisa Hagood, Executive Director of the Southside Center of Hope, to explore how the organization has been a catalyst for healing and change for over 40 years. Serving women and children in Chicago’s most under-resourced communities, the Center offers safe housing, addiction recovery support, and the tools to build a new future rooted in dignity and hope.   Yaisa shares the story behind Southside Center of Hope’s long-standing impact and reveals future plans for their expanded Independence House. We also explore the power of community-based recovery, the role of nutrition education in rebuilding lives, and the ongoing challenges of expanding services for those in need.   🎧 Guest Yaisa Hagood — Executive Director, Southside Center of Hope   🔗 Mentioned Resources 🌐 Southside Center of Hope - sscoh.org 📸 Instagram: @sscoh.org - facebook.com/sscoh.org 📘 Facebook: @southsidecenterofhope3705 - www.youtube.com/@UC_lWhxfh9PwTJsR4WagzCnQ   📣 Presented by CPHP (Chicago Partnership for Health Promotion) 🌐 CPHP Website - https://cphp.uic.edu/ 🥗 Eat. Move. Save. Meal Kit - https://go.uic.edu/mealkits 📸 Instagram: / eat.move.save.chicago 📘 Facebook: / eat.move.save.chicago 📺 YouTube: UIC OCEAN-HP / @uicocean-hp1379   #OCEANHP #CPHP #EATMOVESAVE #HealthierHabits #Podcast #UIC #HealthierHabitsPodcast #safehousing #addictionrecovery #rebuildinglives

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

In this episode of Healthier Habits, we dive into the inspiring world of food justice and digital connection with Israel Muñoz, Online Community Manager at Community Food Navigator. Israel breaks down how this innovative platform is empowering Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities across Chicago by supporting food sovereignty, uplifting local growers, and connecting educators, advocates, and neighbors working to reshape the local food ecosystem. We explore: What it means to participate in a local food ecosystem How the Community Food Navigator app is amplifying grassroots movements The critical link between technology, community health, and food access Whether you're a home gardener, a community leader, or someone curious about where your food comes from—this episode is for you. 🎧 Tune in, get inspired, and take part in Chicago’s growing food movement. 🔗 Featured Guest Israel Muñoz | Online Community Manager | Community Food Navigator 🔗 Explore More 🌐 Community Food Navigator Website 📸 Instagram: @communityfoodnavigator 📘 Facebook: Community Food Navigator 📽️ Vimeo: Community Food Navigator 💡 Presented by CPHP (Chicago Partnership for Health Promotion) 🌐 CPHP Website 🥗 Eat. Move. Save. Meal Kit Program 📸 Instagram: @eat.move.save.chicago 📘 Facebook: eat.move.save.chicago 📺 YouTube: UIC OCEAN-HP

Special Guest Michael R. Toney! Welcome to Healthier Habits! We're kicking off Season 2 by spotlighting a powerful new community initiative led by one of our own: Michael R. Toney, Program Coordinator at the Chicago Partnership for Health Promotion. Michael introduces the CPHP Walk/Run for Fun Marathon Project, a movement built to inspire, connect, and activate communities across Chicago through leadership, fitness, and shared goals. Tune in to learn what sets this project apart from other running groups, how it’s designed to build leadership from within, and how you or someone you know can get involved. Discover how you can get involved, support the effort, or even lead a movement of your own. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just curious about getting active in a meaningful way, this episode will leave you energized and informed.   CPHP Walk/Run for Fun Marathon Project  The goal of the CPHP Walk/Run for Fun Marathon Project is to invite participants to complete the equivalent of a full marathon (26.2 miles) or more within one year. Completing a minimum of two plus miles per month, for example, establishes realistic expectations for all fitness abilities, while prioritizing safety first. Building community through shared experiences helps to inspire confidence that fitness can be fun. Our goal is for participants to enjoy a fitness experience that requires consistency over time.   Guest Information: Michael R. Toney Policy, Systems, and Environmental Program Coordinator Chicago Partnership for Health Promotion Email: [email protected] Phone: (312) 355-3659   Program Links: Flyer Link: https://uofi.box.com/s/nbcns2pkpap20jsu8hejn9jm5kj6o7ao Registration Link: https://go.uic.edu/CommunityMarathonRegistration   Websites: CPHP https://cphp.uic.edu/ Eat. Move. Save. Meal Kit - https://go.uic.edu/mealkits   Social Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eat.move.save.chicago Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eat.move.save.chicago YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@uicocean-hp1379/podcasts   Hashtags: #OCEANHP #CPHP #EATMOVESAVE #HealthierHabits #Podcast #UIC #healthyliving #physicalhealth #MarathonProject #FunRun #HealthierHabitsPodcast #StepIntoAction #ChicagoWellness #CommunityHealthMatters #PublicHealth #HealthyChicago #MichaelToney

Special Guest Kathryn Bernstein! In this episode, Kathryn explains how policies on food systems and nutrition directly affect our communities' health and well-being. Kathryn Bernstein, she/her, is a Program Director – Food Systems and Nutrition Policy with the Illinois Public Health Institute (IPHI). IPHI is an Illinois-based nonprofit organization that works to mobilize stakeholders, catalyze partnerships, and lead action to improve public health systems to maximize health, health equity and quality of life for people and communities. Within her role at IPHI, Kathryn works to increase access to nourishing foods in workplaces and community spaces by overseeing the food and nutrition strategies, including organizational food service guidelines policies, in the Illinois State Physical Activity and Nutrition program cooperative agreements with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Kathryn is also involved in food systems, legislative policy, and coalition development initiatives. Guest Links: Email: [email protected]  Website: IPHIonline.org LinkedIn: Illinois Public Health Institute

Special Guest Barbara Hernandez! In this episode, Barbara shares her perspective on empowering communities through strategic organization, care and the importance of healthy collaboration. Barbara Hernandez, Administrative Assistant for CPHP for the past 15 years, holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and a minor in Human Resources from Robert Morris University.  Has had over 26 years of working with non-for-profit organizations.  Here with CPHP, she’s been part of many major projects and hopes to contribute to the organization for many years to come.

Special Guest Jessica Martinez! In this episode, we discuss practical resources available for families and how to create healthier relationships with food that benefit everyone at home. Jessica is the Director of Nutrition Services at Catholic Charities - WIC Grocery. With previous experience in the mental health and the eating disorder sector, Jessica has a passion for supporting clients in building a healthier relationship with food. Jessica uses this unique expertise to foster a compassionate and comprehensive approach to community nutrition. Guest Links: Website: wicgrocery.org Instagram: https://instagram.com/wicgrocery Facebook: https://facebook.com/wicgrocery

Today's episode explores the importance of nutrition and healthy cooking for building stronger communities. Miriam Virto has been part of Chicago Partnership for Health Promotion as a Nutrition Peer Educator for 15 years. She is currently the Cooking Matters Coordinator and has been partnering with the Veggie Rx program for the past 6 years. For Veggie Rx, she engages participants with healthy cooking demonstrations and nutrition lessons. In 2019, Miriam received the Robin Orr Spirit Award in recognition of her work in the communities she serves. She has worked all over the city of Chicago in partnership with Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Park Districts, pantries, and faith-based organizations. Guest Links: Email: [email protected] Veggie Rx for North Lawndale: https://www.chicagobotanic.org/urbanagriculture/veggieRx 

Special Guest Traci Williams! In this episode, Traci shares her deep understanding of how movement and stillness both play a critical role in connecting the mind and body. Traci Williams is a certified 200hr yoga instructor with studies from India. Traci understands the connection of the body through active breaks through movement and stillness.   Guest Links: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@novayogadid  Instagram: https://instagram.com/nova_perception2021 Website: https://novaperception.org

Special Guest Dr. Eduardo Bustamante! Tune in to learn how you can incorporate exercise into your daily life to support better health for you and your family! Dr. Eduardo Bustamante’s expertise lies in exercise psychology, emphasizing ADHD and community-engaged intervention research. His research focuses on generating evidence-based lifestyle interventions that promote physical and mental health among Chicago families. Dr. Bustamante is an Assistant Professor of Kinesiology and Nutrition at UIC, where he is Director of the UIC Healthy Kids Lab. Guest Links: Department of UIC kinesiology and nutrition: https://ahs.uic.edu/kinesiology-nutrition UIC healthy Kids Lab: https://healthykids.ahs.uic.edu 

Special Guest Connor DeLoach! This episode is packed with valuable information about how we can create healthier, more sustainable food systems for everyone. Connor has worked for Top Box Foods for 10 years, developing, coordinating, and implementing community initiatives designed to address food systems gaps and improve food equity for underserved communities throughout Illinois and Louisiana. Connor’s role has involved developing and managing the organization’s strategic partnerships, providing program oversight, and establishing innovative supply chain solutions to support a more localized food system. Guest Links: Email: [email protected] Website: Topboxfoods.com  Call : 312-527-7890

Special Guest Orrin Williams! This episode explores the joys of home gardening and the impact of community gardens. Orrin reminds us that “food is medicine, but so is sunshine!” Orrin is a food systems intervention coordinator at CPHP. He co-produces a podcast called “Roots Watering Hole”. His podcast shares information about gardening education and food literacy. It also focuses on topics related to our ecosystem, health and wellness, lifestyle, the arts and humanities. Orrin has numerous years of experience serving BIPOC communities in Chicago. Guest Links: Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.chicagogrowsfood.org Podcast: https://www.rootswateringhole.org Instagram: https://instagram.com/ChicagoGrowsFood Facebook: https://facebook.com/ChicagoGrowsFood

Special Guest Elizabeth Berkeley! This episode explores how urban gardening can transform our food systems and promote sustainable living. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a complete beginner, there's something for everyone! Born and raised in Chicago, Elizabeth Berkeley has experience supporting capacity building for nonprofits across Colorado, teaching nutrition, cooking, and gardening, and a Master’s in Public Health. She is excited to share her knowledge of educational programming, her experience building collaborative systems, and her passion for food justice in this role. Guest Links: Website: https://www.chicagogrowsfood.org (Check out their monthly Lunch and Learn under the resource page) Instagram: https://instagram.com/chicagogrowsfood Facebook: https://facebook.com/chicagogrowsfood

Special guest Dr. Daylan D. Dufelmeier, Director of Chicago Partnership for Health Promotion. Dr. Dufelmeier has been part of the Chicago Partnership for Health Promotion for the last 16 years. He started as a nutrition peer educator, then as program coordinator and assistant director, and is currently the director of CPHP. At CPHP, he oversees the implementation of the federal nutrition program and staff. He recently earned his Ph.D. in the UIC Community Health Sciences Division, with a focus on institutional behavior and health equity. Dr. Dufelmeier will discuss the importance of sustainable health habits and the impact of community health initiatives, offering valuable insights that align with our mission. This podcast is a fantastic opportunity to further our reach and engage with our community on a deeper level. Email: [email protected]