INSTITUTE AND PARTNERS LAUNCH INNOVATIVE E-COMMERCE PORTAL FOR LOCAL FOOD PRODUCERS AND BUYERS
October, 2018 --- The Hispanic-American Institute and its local food promotion partners announce the opening of Delicious New Mexico, a groundbreaking online marketplace for locally produced foods.
Delicious New Mexico is a one-stop e-commerce portal where institutions, consumers, and food producers can buy, sell, and arrange delivery of locally grown, raised, and processed foods. Focused on New Mexico, the innovative DNM platform can be replicated by other local food advocates nationally.
Funded by a grant to the Institute from the Local Food Promotion Program of the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, Delicious New Mexico seeks to help local farmers, ranchers, and food producers in New Mexico increase their sales to government agencies, university and school systems, hospitals, food service distributors, and retailers.
The DNM e-commerce marketplace can be easily navigated by institutional buyers, retail shoppers, and local food producers.
Initial product offerings include produce, fruits, cheese, coffee, baked goods, and shelf-stable products such as salsa. The product line will grow as buyers and sellers sign up to the marketplace.
"Delicious New Mexico provides a state of the art e-commerce marketplace for local food producers and buyers to conduct and keep track of business" said Vicki Pozzebon, Marketing Director. In one year since its inception the project partners have developed a comprehensive system for local food production, processing, marketing, sales, and distribution, including The Valley Store, a local food retail store in downtown Albuquerque, a longstanding food desert.
The Delicious New Mexico partnership consists of the Hispanic-American Institute the Rio Grande Community Development Corporation the South Valley Economic Development Center and its Mixing Bowl food industry incubation program, the largest commercial kitchen in New Mexico for use by food industry entrepreneurs and Agricultura Cooperative Network, a cooperative of local produce and fruit farmers.
The New Mexico Public Education Department has formally endorsed the Delicious New Mexico e-commerce portal. "Schools and school districts are under immense pressure to balance USDA nutrition policy, price point, and quality, and integrating farm to school into their meal programs is a complicated process that is currently fueled by passion and love for children, the land, agrarianism, and our economy. A one-stop online hub for all things local in New Mexico is a positive shift towards institutionalizing farm to school in our state," said Kendal Chavez, Nutritionist/Farm to School Specialist at the Student Success & Wellness Bureau of the New Mexico Public Education Department.
"Student Nutrition practitioners in New Mexico welcome any and all innovations that will make purchasing local product for school meals as seamless as possible, and ultimately create a system that truly works for both farmers and institutional buyers," added Ms. Chavez.
For more information on the Delicious New Mexico e-commerce platform, please contact Marketing Director Vicki Pozzebon at vpozzdebon@hainst.org and tel. (505) 577-5286.
Delicious New Mexico is a one-stop e-commerce portal where institutions, consumers, and food producers can buy, sell, and arrange delivery of locally grown, raised, and processed foods. Focused on New Mexico, the innovative DNM platform can be replicated by other local food advocates nationally.
Funded by a grant to the Institute from the Local Food Promotion Program of the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, Delicious New Mexico seeks to help local farmers, ranchers, and food producers in New Mexico increase their sales to government agencies, university and school systems, hospitals, food service distributors, and retailers.
The DNM e-commerce marketplace can be easily navigated by institutional buyers, retail shoppers, and local food producers.
Initial product offerings include produce, fruits, cheese, coffee, baked goods, and shelf-stable products such as salsa. The product line will grow as buyers and sellers sign up to the marketplace.
"Delicious New Mexico provides a state of the art e-commerce marketplace for local food producers and buyers to conduct and keep track of business" said Vicki Pozzebon, Marketing Director. In one year since its inception the project partners have developed a comprehensive system for local food production, processing, marketing, sales, and distribution, including The Valley Store, a local food retail store in downtown Albuquerque, a longstanding food desert.
The Delicious New Mexico partnership consists of the Hispanic-American Institute the Rio Grande Community Development Corporation the South Valley Economic Development Center and its Mixing Bowl food industry incubation program, the largest commercial kitchen in New Mexico for use by food industry entrepreneurs and Agricultura Cooperative Network, a cooperative of local produce and fruit farmers.
The New Mexico Public Education Department has formally endorsed the Delicious New Mexico e-commerce portal. "Schools and school districts are under immense pressure to balance USDA nutrition policy, price point, and quality, and integrating farm to school into their meal programs is a complicated process that is currently fueled by passion and love for children, the land, agrarianism, and our economy. A one-stop online hub for all things local in New Mexico is a positive shift towards institutionalizing farm to school in our state," said Kendal Chavez, Nutritionist/Farm to School Specialist at the Student Success & Wellness Bureau of the New Mexico Public Education Department.
"Student Nutrition practitioners in New Mexico welcome any and all innovations that will make purchasing local product for school meals as seamless as possible, and ultimately create a system that truly works for both farmers and institutional buyers," added Ms. Chavez.
For more information on the Delicious New Mexico e-commerce platform, please contact Marketing Director Vicki Pozzebon at vpozzdebon@hainst.org and tel. (505) 577-5286.
INSTITUTE HELPS PUERTO RICANS PROTECT THEIR MEDICARE BENEFITS
Help for Farmers and Ranchers, Too
June and October, 2018 --- The Hispanic-American Institute is conducting a five year project to help residents of Puerto Rico detect and report Medicare fraud, errors, waste, and abuse. The All Puerto Rico Senior Medicare Patrol (APRSMP) develops, trains, and manages a network of volunteers to carry out group education and one-on-one assistance to help Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers detect fraudulent health care charges and report them to appropriate government agencies. Institute has entered into a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to carry out the program. Under the APRSMP, the Institute will also operate a bilingual call-in center, social media platforms, and an active outreach program throughout Puerto Rico to help Medicare beneficiaries better understand reports they receive from the government on payments made to their health care providers. "The All Puerto Rico Senior Medicare Patrol will help empower the nearly 700,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Puerto Rico to help protect their health care benefits," said Program Director Ricardo Colon Padilla. The Hispanic-American Institute has offices in San Juan, Boston, and Albuquerque. For more information on the APRSMP please contact Ricardo Colon Padilla at rcolonp@hainst.org.
The Institute is also conducting an outreach and orientation program to help Puerto Rico farmers and ranchers access the many services and resources of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Ranchers and Farmers Program focuses on southern, central, and western Puerto Rico, areas where agriculture was devastated by Hurricane Maria in 2017. For more information on the Institute's Programa de Orientacion y Asistencia Para Agricultores y Gandaderos please contact Program Coordinator Blanca Rodriguez Ubriaco at brodriguezu@hainst.org.
The Institute is also conducting an outreach and orientation program to help Puerto Rico farmers and ranchers access the many services and resources of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Ranchers and Farmers Program focuses on southern, central, and western Puerto Rico, areas where agriculture was devastated by Hurricane Maria in 2017. For more information on the Institute's Programa de Orientacion y Asistencia Para Agricultores y Gandaderos please contact Program Coordinator Blanca Rodriguez Ubriaco at brodriguezu@hainst.org.
SANTANDER BANK AWARDS INSTITUTE SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GRANT
January 10, 2018 --- Santander Bank, one of the world's largest financial institutions and a major presence in Northeast U.S. banking, has awarded a grant to the Hispanic-American Institute to provide training and technical assistance in enterprise development to existing and potential small businesses in Massachusetts. Under the grant, the Institute will offer bilingual assistance in business planning, financing, production, sales, supply chain development, and other areas. "This grant will help the Institute provide hands-on assistance to the growing number of entrepreneurs in eastern and central Massachusetts, including the surging Latino business community" said Nader Acevedo, Executive Vice President of the Institute. For more information on this program and other Institute initiatives, please contact Nader Acevedo at nacevedo@hainst.org.
INSTITUTE LAUNCHES PUERTO RICO
DISASTER RECOVERY INITIATIVE
October 15, 2017 --- The Hispanic-American Institute has launched an initiative to assist small businesses in Puerto Rico recover from the Hurricane Maria disaster.
The Institute will help entrepreneurs, farmers, and food producers navigate the disaster assistance system set up by Federal and Commonwealth of Puerto Rico agencies.
Many areas of Puerto Rico are still without electricity, running water, and telecommunication several weeks after the hurricane. Full recovery is expected to take many months. Puerto Rico is home to nearly 4 million U.S. citizens and a historic contributor to American culture, economy, and security.
SEE THE DEVASTATION
The Institute will collaborate with the Municipalities of San Juan and Mayaguez and other disaster recovery partners to facilitate processing of documents for eligible small businesses and farmers to secure assistance from Federal agencies, including the Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
For more information about the Initiative and the Institute, contact Institute President Bruce Young-Candelaria at byc@hainst.org.
The Institute will help entrepreneurs, farmers, and food producers navigate the disaster assistance system set up by Federal and Commonwealth of Puerto Rico agencies.
Many areas of Puerto Rico are still without electricity, running water, and telecommunication several weeks after the hurricane. Full recovery is expected to take many months. Puerto Rico is home to nearly 4 million U.S. citizens and a historic contributor to American culture, economy, and security.
SEE THE DEVASTATION
The Institute will collaborate with the Municipalities of San Juan and Mayaguez and other disaster recovery partners to facilitate processing of documents for eligible small businesses and farmers to secure assistance from Federal agencies, including the Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
For more information about the Initiative and the Institute, contact Institute President Bruce Young-Candelaria at byc@hainst.org.
Luis E. Valderrama-Rivera, Institute Vice President in Puerto Rico (at right), manages our disaster recovery efforts to help small businesses and food producers.
INSTITUTE AWARDED THREE YEAR LOCAL FOOD PROCUREMENT GRANT
September 29, 2017 ---- The Hispanic-American Institute has been awarded a grant by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to promote purchases of locally grown and produced foods by New Mexico institutions, government agencies, and food wholesalers and retailers.
The Institute teamed with the Rio Grande Community DevelopmentCorporation and Agri-Cultura Networkto operate the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service program, which will link producers and purchasers and help local food businesses navigate the market of large buyers. The three organizations are based at the South Valley Economic Development Center, which houses The Mixing Bowl, the largest commercial kitchen in New Mexico for use by food entrepreneurs.
"This is a great opportunity for experienced community partners to help grow the local food economy in New Mexico," said Josue Olivares, Executive Director of the Rio Grande Community Development Corporation.
The New Mexico State Auditor's Office recently published acomprehensive reportdescribing the economic benefits of increased local procurement, including purchase of locally produced foods. .
The State Auditor's report suggests that hundreds of new jobs could be created in New Mexico through increased local sourcing.
LOCAL FOOD PURCHASING IS GOOD FOR BUYERS, TOO
"Local food sourcing is good business for the buyers as well", says Bruce Young-Candelaria, president of the Institute. "Tax dollars support public and non-profit institutions. By purchasing locally these institutions create more taxable business income, which in turn helps support their mission".
Local food purchasing is also reportable as a Community Building activity in the tax return of non-profit hospitals, which are required to carry out Community Benefit projects under the terms of their tax exemption.
The Institute teamed with the Rio Grande Community DevelopmentCorporation and Agri-Cultura Networkto operate the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service program, which will link producers and purchasers and help local food businesses navigate the market of large buyers. The three organizations are based at the South Valley Economic Development Center, which houses The Mixing Bowl, the largest commercial kitchen in New Mexico for use by food entrepreneurs.
"This is a great opportunity for experienced community partners to help grow the local food economy in New Mexico," said Josue Olivares, Executive Director of the Rio Grande Community Development Corporation.
The New Mexico State Auditor's Office recently published acomprehensive reportdescribing the economic benefits of increased local procurement, including purchase of locally produced foods. .
The State Auditor's report suggests that hundreds of new jobs could be created in New Mexico through increased local sourcing.
LOCAL FOOD PURCHASING IS GOOD FOR BUYERS, TOO
"Local food sourcing is good business for the buyers as well", says Bruce Young-Candelaria, president of the Institute. "Tax dollars support public and non-profit institutions. By purchasing locally these institutions create more taxable business income, which in turn helps support their mission".
Local food purchasing is also reportable as a Community Building activity in the tax return of non-profit hospitals, which are required to carry out Community Benefit projects under the terms of their tax exemption.
INSTITUTE 2017 PROGRAMS PROMOTE LOCAL BUSINESS SOURCING INITIATIVES
July, 2017 ---The Hispanic-American Institute carries on with initiatives to help local enterprises do business with anchor institutions, including hospitals, government agencies, and leading industries.
Under an agreement with the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation the Institute is providing training and assistance to small, woman, veteran and minority-owned businesses seeking to expand.
HAI is also in discussions with major hospitals in Massachusetts and New Mexico to line up local farmers, ranchers, and food producers as suppliers for their food services to patients, visitors, and staff. This is in followup to a Local and Sustainable Food Procurement Program assessment delivered by the Institute to Presbyterian Healthcare Services, the largest hospital chain in New Mexico.
"Local food sourcing by hospitals is an important community economic development tool", said Vicki Pozzebon, who works with the Institute in its local food procurement initiatives, pointing to a recent University of Vermont study. Local food procurement is a "safe harbor" Community Benefit activity for non-profit hospitals, reportable in Schedule H of their IRS Form 990 tax return.
The Local and Sustainable Food Procurement Program (LSFPP) was launched under a contract with Presbyterian Healthcare Services and with support from Rockland Trust, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Massachusetts, and the Latino Diabetes Initiative of the Joslin Diabetes Center. For more information on the LSFPP contact Institute President Bruce Young-Candelaria at byc@hainst.org.
Under an agreement with the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation the Institute is providing training and assistance to small, woman, veteran and minority-owned businesses seeking to expand.
HAI is also in discussions with major hospitals in Massachusetts and New Mexico to line up local farmers, ranchers, and food producers as suppliers for their food services to patients, visitors, and staff. This is in followup to a Local and Sustainable Food Procurement Program assessment delivered by the Institute to Presbyterian Healthcare Services, the largest hospital chain in New Mexico.
"Local food sourcing by hospitals is an important community economic development tool", said Vicki Pozzebon, who works with the Institute in its local food procurement initiatives, pointing to a recent University of Vermont study. Local food procurement is a "safe harbor" Community Benefit activity for non-profit hospitals, reportable in Schedule H of their IRS Form 990 tax return.
The Local and Sustainable Food Procurement Program (LSFPP) was launched under a contract with Presbyterian Healthcare Services and with support from Rockland Trust, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Massachusetts, and the Latino Diabetes Initiative of the Joslin Diabetes Center. For more information on the LSFPP contact Institute President Bruce Young-Candelaria at byc@hainst.org.
INSTITUTE PROMOTES SMALL, WOMAN, AND VETERAN OWNED BUSINESSES
March, 2017 ----The Commonwealth of Massachusetts selected the Hispanic-American Institute as a provider of training and assistance to small and minority businesses seeking contracts for the construction phase of new casinos under development in Everett and Springfield, Massachusetts.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission awarded the project to the Institute in view of its track record of reaching out to minority, woman-owned, and veteran-owned businesses. The Institute teamed up with the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce and Social Capital, Inc. to provide training and assistance on the certification process and other aspects of disadvantaged business participation in state contracts from April to August 2016. TheNorth Shore Latino Business Association provided access to major elements of the Hispanic business community. Key assistance to the project was provided by Eduardo Crespo, Karen Rave, and Alberto Calvo. An important element of the project was the development of awebsite for contractors to register as potential bidders.
"The Institute was already helping Wynn Boston Harbor identify qualified contractors to work on its $1.2 billion construction project, and our technical assistance project with the MA Gaming Commission has greatly helped that effort, " said Nader Acevedo, Executive Vice President of the Institute. Nader has a long history of helping New England small businesses secure contracts and financing, and has been recognized as one of Boston's most influential Latinos by El Planeta newspaper for twelve consecutive years.
"We were pleased to collaborate with the Institute and Social Capital on this valuable opportunity for small businesses to participate in one of the largest construction projects in the region", said Sergio Jaramillo, President of the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce. The Chelsea Chamber led the effort to involve other area Chambers of Commerce in the project. Valuable assistance to the project was provided by Institute advisory board members Ariel Schmidt and Lorenzo Quinones. El Mundo and El Planeta newspapers provided extensive coverage of program activitities. A final report on the project was delivered on schedule to the Massachussets Gaming Commission.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission awarded the project to the Institute in view of its track record of reaching out to minority, woman-owned, and veteran-owned businesses. The Institute teamed up with the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce and Social Capital, Inc. to provide training and assistance on the certification process and other aspects of disadvantaged business participation in state contracts from April to August 2016. TheNorth Shore Latino Business Association provided access to major elements of the Hispanic business community. Key assistance to the project was provided by Eduardo Crespo, Karen Rave, and Alberto Calvo. An important element of the project was the development of awebsite for contractors to register as potential bidders.
"The Institute was already helping Wynn Boston Harbor identify qualified contractors to work on its $1.2 billion construction project, and our technical assistance project with the MA Gaming Commission has greatly helped that effort, " said Nader Acevedo, Executive Vice President of the Institute. Nader has a long history of helping New England small businesses secure contracts and financing, and has been recognized as one of Boston's most influential Latinos by El Planeta newspaper for twelve consecutive years.
"We were pleased to collaborate with the Institute and Social Capital on this valuable opportunity for small businesses to participate in one of the largest construction projects in the region", said Sergio Jaramillo, President of the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce. The Chelsea Chamber led the effort to involve other area Chambers of Commerce in the project. Valuable assistance to the project was provided by Institute advisory board members Ariel Schmidt and Lorenzo Quinones. El Mundo and El Planeta newspapers provided extensive coverage of program activitities. A final report on the project was delivered on schedule to the Massachussets Gaming Commission.
DIET AND DIABETES COMMUNITY WORKSHOP AT UMASS MEMORIAL IN WORCESTER, MA
March, 2016 ---The Institute held Healthy Eating Workshop on March 10 in Worcester, Massachusetts in collaboration with UMass Memorial Medical Center. The keynote speaker was Congressman James P. McGovern, Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Nutrition.
UMass Memorial Medical Center is the largest hospital in central Massachusetts and site of the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Monica Escobar Lowell, Vice President of Community Relations at UMass Memorial, co-hosted the event with Nader Acevedo, Executive Vice President of the Institute.The Healthy Eating Workshops are part of the Institute's Healthy Food Outreach Project, which seeks to promote healthy eating choices among Latinos in Massachusetts. The Project is supported by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, the Latino Diabetes Initiative of the Joslin Diabetes Center, Rockland Trust, and Wynn Everett.
Congressman McGovern spoke on the key role of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in maintaining the nation's food safety net. The Congressman was introduced by Paul Jones, Senior Policy Advisor of Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Speakers included Dr. Matilde Castiel, Commissioner of Health and Human Services for the City of Worcester, which has a large Hispanic population, and Prof. Frank Mangan of the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts, an expert in local and ethnic agricultural production.
Gabriella Mora of The Food Trust discussed her organization's policy advocacy on healthy food access by low income communities. Dr. Samir Malkani and Dr. Cristina Alvarado Nieves, of the Diabetes Center for Excellence at UMass Medical School, addressed the topic Diabetes in the Latino Community -- How is it Different?
The event closed with a presentation on affordable shopping of healthy food by Jessica Caouette of Cooking Matters .
"We had great speakers and positive feedback" on the event, said Monica Lowell of UMass Memorial. The Institute will conduct additional Healthy Eating Workshops in eastern Massachusetts in the Spring and Summer.
UMass Memorial Medical Center is the largest hospital in central Massachusetts and site of the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Monica Escobar Lowell, Vice President of Community Relations at UMass Memorial, co-hosted the event with Nader Acevedo, Executive Vice President of the Institute.The Healthy Eating Workshops are part of the Institute's Healthy Food Outreach Project, which seeks to promote healthy eating choices among Latinos in Massachusetts. The Project is supported by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, the Latino Diabetes Initiative of the Joslin Diabetes Center, Rockland Trust, and Wynn Everett.
Congressman McGovern spoke on the key role of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in maintaining the nation's food safety net. The Congressman was introduced by Paul Jones, Senior Policy Advisor of Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Speakers included Dr. Matilde Castiel, Commissioner of Health and Human Services for the City of Worcester, which has a large Hispanic population, and Prof. Frank Mangan of the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts, an expert in local and ethnic agricultural production.
Gabriella Mora of The Food Trust discussed her organization's policy advocacy on healthy food access by low income communities. Dr. Samir Malkani and Dr. Cristina Alvarado Nieves, of the Diabetes Center for Excellence at UMass Medical School, addressed the topic Diabetes in the Latino Community -- How is it Different?
The event closed with a presentation on affordable shopping of healthy food by Jessica Caouette of Cooking Matters .
"We had great speakers and positive feedback" on the event, said Monica Lowell of UMass Memorial. The Institute will conduct additional Healthy Eating Workshops in eastern Massachusetts in the Spring and Summer.
INSTITUTE HELPS HOSPITALS MEET COMMUNITY BENEFIT GOALS
Along with the Healthy Food Outreach Project the Institute is entering into agreements with area hospitals to help them implement Community Benefit Programs in Latino and other low and moderate income communities (see article below).
New regulations under the the Affordable Care Act and the Internal Revenue Service call on hospitals to expand their Community Benefit activities.
For more information on the Healthy Food Outreach Project and the Institute's Community Benefit support program, please contact Institute President Bruce Young Candelaria, Ed.D. at byc@hainst.org
New regulations under the the Affordable Care Act and the Internal Revenue Service call on hospitals to expand their Community Benefit activities.
For more information on the Healthy Food Outreach Project and the Institute's Community Benefit support program, please contact Institute President Bruce Young Candelaria, Ed.D. at byc@hainst.org
INSTITUTE AND AND PRESBYTERIAN TEAM UP ON LOCAL FOOD SOURCING
January, 2016 ---The Hispanic-American Institute has entered into a contract to assistPresbyterian Healthcare Services, the largest hospital and health insurer in New Mexico, source locally grown and produced food for the 3 million meals per year Presbyterian serves its patients and staff.
The Institute is working in a consortium with Delicious New Mexico, a statewide provider of entrepreneurial and market resources to food businesses, and Prospera Partners, a local sourcing expert, to help Presbyterian meet its procurement goals. The consortium is managed by Vicki Pozzebon, President of Prospera Partners, Bruce Young Candelaria, President of the Hispanic-American Institute, and Celerah Hewes, Executive Director of Delicious New Mexico.
The Local and Sustainable Food Procurement Program (LSFPP) is patterned on the Healthy Food in Healthcare initiative of Healthcare Without Harm and will reach out to local growers and food processors and use various approaches to facilitate sales and logistics.
The agreement is part of Presbyterian's Community Benefit Program, one of the most broad-based in the nation. Leigh Caswell is Community Health Manager for Presbyterian.
The Institute is working in a consortium with Delicious New Mexico, a statewide provider of entrepreneurial and market resources to food businesses, and Prospera Partners, a local sourcing expert, to help Presbyterian meet its procurement goals. The consortium is managed by Vicki Pozzebon, President of Prospera Partners, Bruce Young Candelaria, President of the Hispanic-American Institute, and Celerah Hewes, Executive Director of Delicious New Mexico.
The Local and Sustainable Food Procurement Program (LSFPP) is patterned on the Healthy Food in Healthcare initiative of Healthcare Without Harm and will reach out to local growers and food processors and use various approaches to facilitate sales and logistics.
The agreement is part of Presbyterian's Community Benefit Program, one of the most broad-based in the nation. Leigh Caswell is Community Health Manager for Presbyterian.
INSTITUTE PROMOTES SIGNATURE INITIATIVES IN MULTI STATE CONFERENCES
New Mexico Healthy Communities Forum
The Institute held the New Mexico Healthy Communities Forum, a gathering over sixty hospital, health insurance, and community development leaders on September 15 at theAlbuquerque Museum in New Mexico. The event is part of the Institute's Healthy Food and Wellness Initiative, which seeks to bring together leaders in various disciplines to address issues of access to sound nutrition and healthy living in low and moderate income communities.
The conference was presented in partnership with Delicious New Mexico, a non-profit promoter of locally sourced foods. Vicki Pozzebon, board chair of Delicious New Mexico and a local economic development advocate, moderated the event, which was sponsored byPresbyterian Health Care Services and the Robert Wood Johnson Center for Health Policy at the University of New Mexico. Celerah Hewes-Rutledge, Executive Director of Delicious New Mexico, coordinated the Forum.
The keynote speaker was Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham, member of the Subcomittee on Nutrition of the House Committee on Agriculture and former New Mexico Secretary of Health. Congresswoman Lujan Grisham stressed the value of partnerships among private, public, and nonprofit entities to optimize community resources. She pointed to theImperial Building project, which is building the first supermarket in downtown Albuquerque in over sixty years, as an example of successful private-public collaboration.David Silverman, co-developer of the project, spoke of the hurdles overcome to break ground in Spring 2015.
Kelly O'Donnell of O'Donnell Economics and Strategy, authors of several reports on on the economic role of health care reform, spoke of impact of the Affordable Care Act in New Mexico, which has received over $400 million in Obamacare grants to hospitals, community health centers, and state and local government.
Eric Griego of the RWJF Center for Health Policy at the University of New Mexico spoke the Center's work in addressing health disparities and the importance of strong local economies in community health. Anthony Martinez, Director of Community Engagement forMolina Health Care, a nationwide insurer of Medicaid patients and operator of community clinics, spoke about Molina's wellness programs in the workplace and the community.
Presbyterian Health Care Services is the largest health care provider and insurer in New Mexico. Leigh Caswell, Community Health Manager for Presbyterian, addressed the provider's work under Community Benefit provisions of the Affordable Care Act, which calls for nonprofit hospitals to promote a healthy population in return for federal tax exemption.
Tim Nisly, CEO of Rio Grande Community DevelopmentCorporation, led off the panel discussion following the speakers.
"A main goal of the Affordable Care Act is prevention and management of chronic diseases such as diabetes at home and in the community," said Bruce Young-Candelariabyc@hainst.org, president of the Institute. "Our aim with these events is to help bring together partners to further that objective, especially through expansion of healthy food and wellness programs."
The conference was presented in partnership with Delicious New Mexico, a non-profit promoter of locally sourced foods. Vicki Pozzebon, board chair of Delicious New Mexico and a local economic development advocate, moderated the event, which was sponsored byPresbyterian Health Care Services and the Robert Wood Johnson Center for Health Policy at the University of New Mexico. Celerah Hewes-Rutledge, Executive Director of Delicious New Mexico, coordinated the Forum.
The keynote speaker was Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham, member of the Subcomittee on Nutrition of the House Committee on Agriculture and former New Mexico Secretary of Health. Congresswoman Lujan Grisham stressed the value of partnerships among private, public, and nonprofit entities to optimize community resources. She pointed to theImperial Building project, which is building the first supermarket in downtown Albuquerque in over sixty years, as an example of successful private-public collaboration.David Silverman, co-developer of the project, spoke of the hurdles overcome to break ground in Spring 2015.
Kelly O'Donnell of O'Donnell Economics and Strategy, authors of several reports on on the economic role of health care reform, spoke of impact of the Affordable Care Act in New Mexico, which has received over $400 million in Obamacare grants to hospitals, community health centers, and state and local government.
Eric Griego of the RWJF Center for Health Policy at the University of New Mexico spoke the Center's work in addressing health disparities and the importance of strong local economies in community health. Anthony Martinez, Director of Community Engagement forMolina Health Care, a nationwide insurer of Medicaid patients and operator of community clinics, spoke about Molina's wellness programs in the workplace and the community.
Presbyterian Health Care Services is the largest health care provider and insurer in New Mexico. Leigh Caswell, Community Health Manager for Presbyterian, addressed the provider's work under Community Benefit provisions of the Affordable Care Act, which calls for nonprofit hospitals to promote a healthy population in return for federal tax exemption.
Tim Nisly, CEO of Rio Grande Community DevelopmentCorporation, led off the panel discussion following the speakers.
"A main goal of the Affordable Care Act is prevention and management of chronic diseases such as diabetes at home and in the community," said Bruce Young-Candelariabyc@hainst.org, president of the Institute. "Our aim with these events is to help bring together partners to further that objective, especially through expansion of healthy food and wellness programs."
PUERTO RICO HEALTHY COMMUNITIES FORUM MEETS WITH WIDE INTEREST
The Institute held a well-received Healthy Communities Forum on December 17 at Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) in Ponce, Puerto Rico. The conference, subtitled The Impact of Prevention and Wellness Programs on Public Health and the Economy, focused on the economic and community health benefits of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)andMiSALUD, the Commonwealth's broad-based health insurance program. Over eighty leaders in the community, academic, health care, business, government, and nonprofit sectors attended the event.
The Forum is part of the Institute's Healthy Food and Wellness Initiative and is the first of a series of events held in Puerto Rico to promote community health. Speakers and panelists included area hospitals and universities, health insurers, food and medical retailers, and government officials. The event was co-sponsored by the Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, and Enterprise Optimization Group.
Iván Báez, Walmart Puerto Rico Corporate Affairs Director, presented the company's Local Farmers Development Program which is aimed at helping farmers increase their capacity to supply Walmart with locally grown and produced foods. Mr. Báez also spoke of Walmart'sFood and Nutrition Program which seeks to reformulate thousands of packaged foods to reduce sodium and added sugars and eliminate trans fats. The program also strives to reduce the price premium on healthier items.
Eileen Ortega, Regional Director for Health Care for Walgreens, presented tools the company uses to help customers prevent health issues and lower costs. Ms. Ortega also addressed Walgreen's certification program throughJoslin Diabetes Center, its immunization program, and the company's alliance with the Puerto Rico Diabetes Foundation.
Julio Colón, CPA, CEO of San Lucas Episcopal Health Services, Inc. and member of the Puerto Rico Southern Chamber of Commerce presented his perspective on the Puerto Rico health system, including the current financial situation of the health industry. Mr. Colón stressed the importance of the health system not only for serving the community but also for supporting the Puerto Rico economy, since that sector accounts for 20% of Island's gross domestic product.
Lic. Brenda Soltero, President of the Puerto Rico College of Nutritionists and Dietitianspresented several programs aimed at creating greater awareness of the importance of good nutrition at an early age.
Atty. Deborah Castillo-Díaz of the Office of the Puerto Rico Commissioner of Insurancediscussed the applicability of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in Puerto Rico and the alternatives of health insurance coverage under ACA . Ms. Castillo- Díaz elaborated on the preventive services available under the ACA and MiSALUD health plans.
Representing the Puerto Rico Secretary of Health, Mayra Hernández-Félix, Director of theHealth and Wellness Division of the Puerto Rico Department of Health, described the Department's programs to promote healthier life styles and disease prevention, and discussed a Workplace Health Model the Department of Health is using to promote wellness programs among private and public organizations.
The featured speaker was María Portela-Martínez, MD, MPH, Branch Chief-Division of Medicine and Dentistry of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Dr. Portela presented a comparative assessment of health insurance and access to care in Puerto Rico and the United States. She stated that, while Puerto Rico currently enjoys significantly greater levels of coverage and access to care than the mainland U.S., the Island has many healthy care system inequalities since it has a Federal health care reimbursement rate far lower than that of other comparable States, and is subject to a statutory cap. Dr. Portela also pointed out that current Medicaid funding for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Territories remains far below the level received by the States.
A panel discussion led by Luis E. Valderrama-Rivera, president ofEnterprise Optimization Group, emphasized the need for partnerships among health care organizations, universities, business, non-profits, communities and government in order to develop and implement more wellness and prevention initiatives. Dr. Juan C. Orengo represented thePonce Health Sciences University, Dr. Ivys A. Figueroa-Sanchez theUniversity of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, and Dr. Andrés Pagán the School of Optometry at Interamerican University of Puerto Rico.
"Our aim is to make the Healthy Communities Forum the beginning a multi-sector partnership that will promote a healthier Puerto Rico", said Dr. Martin Montoya, Institute board member and microbiology laboratory director at the University of Puerto Rico.
The Forum is part of the Institute's Healthy Food and Wellness Initiative and is the first of a series of events held in Puerto Rico to promote community health. Speakers and panelists included area hospitals and universities, health insurers, food and medical retailers, and government officials. The event was co-sponsored by the Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, and Enterprise Optimization Group.
Iván Báez, Walmart Puerto Rico Corporate Affairs Director, presented the company's Local Farmers Development Program which is aimed at helping farmers increase their capacity to supply Walmart with locally grown and produced foods. Mr. Báez also spoke of Walmart'sFood and Nutrition Program which seeks to reformulate thousands of packaged foods to reduce sodium and added sugars and eliminate trans fats. The program also strives to reduce the price premium on healthier items.
Eileen Ortega, Regional Director for Health Care for Walgreens, presented tools the company uses to help customers prevent health issues and lower costs. Ms. Ortega also addressed Walgreen's certification program throughJoslin Diabetes Center, its immunization program, and the company's alliance with the Puerto Rico Diabetes Foundation.
Julio Colón, CPA, CEO of San Lucas Episcopal Health Services, Inc. and member of the Puerto Rico Southern Chamber of Commerce presented his perspective on the Puerto Rico health system, including the current financial situation of the health industry. Mr. Colón stressed the importance of the health system not only for serving the community but also for supporting the Puerto Rico economy, since that sector accounts for 20% of Island's gross domestic product.
Lic. Brenda Soltero, President of the Puerto Rico College of Nutritionists and Dietitianspresented several programs aimed at creating greater awareness of the importance of good nutrition at an early age.
Atty. Deborah Castillo-Díaz of the Office of the Puerto Rico Commissioner of Insurancediscussed the applicability of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in Puerto Rico and the alternatives of health insurance coverage under ACA . Ms. Castillo- Díaz elaborated on the preventive services available under the ACA and MiSALUD health plans.
Representing the Puerto Rico Secretary of Health, Mayra Hernández-Félix, Director of theHealth and Wellness Division of the Puerto Rico Department of Health, described the Department's programs to promote healthier life styles and disease prevention, and discussed a Workplace Health Model the Department of Health is using to promote wellness programs among private and public organizations.
The featured speaker was María Portela-Martínez, MD, MPH, Branch Chief-Division of Medicine and Dentistry of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Dr. Portela presented a comparative assessment of health insurance and access to care in Puerto Rico and the United States. She stated that, while Puerto Rico currently enjoys significantly greater levels of coverage and access to care than the mainland U.S., the Island has many healthy care system inequalities since it has a Federal health care reimbursement rate far lower than that of other comparable States, and is subject to a statutory cap. Dr. Portela also pointed out that current Medicaid funding for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Territories remains far below the level received by the States.
A panel discussion led by Luis E. Valderrama-Rivera, president ofEnterprise Optimization Group, emphasized the need for partnerships among health care organizations, universities, business, non-profits, communities and government in order to develop and implement more wellness and prevention initiatives. Dr. Juan C. Orengo represented thePonce Health Sciences University, Dr. Ivys A. Figueroa-Sanchez theUniversity of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, and Dr. Andrés Pagán the School of Optometry at Interamerican University of Puerto Rico.
"Our aim is to make the Healthy Communities Forum the beginning a multi-sector partnership that will promote a healthier Puerto Rico", said Dr. Martin Montoya, Institute board member and microbiology laboratory director at the University of Puerto Rico.
FUNDING WORKSHOP FOR NEW ENGLAND NONPROFITS
As part of National Hispanic Month, the Institute held a Funding Workshop for nonprofit organizations serving the New England Hispanic community on September 21 at The Boston Foundation in Massachusetts.
The Workshop is part of the Instiute's Financing Initiative, which helps nonprofits and businesses serving the Hispanic population secure the resources needed to carry out their mission.
The program featured speakers and panelists from various sources of financing support including foundations, government agencies and management consultants. Over forty organizations attended the event.
The keynote speaker was State Representative Jeffrey Sanchez, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing of the Massachusetts Legislature.
Pamela Hung, Program Associate for Health at The Boston Foundation, spoke on the foundation's efforts in promoting access to healthy foods and wellness in low income communities.
David Polatin, Assistant District Director for Business Development at theU.S. Small Business Administration spoke on the agency's financing opportunities for nonprofits and local businesses.Marcus Weiss, president of Economic Development Assistance Consortium, a national management consulting firm specializing in grantsmanship and strategic planning, addressed opportunities for nonprofits under the Healthy Food Financing Initiative of the federal government.
Alberto Calvo, president of Stop and Compare Supermarkets and board member of Social Capital Inc., detailed the strategic process of organizational growth and financing.
The event was catered courtesy of the Jamaica Plain store of Whole Foods Market, whose Healthy Eating Specialist, Denise Nevarez, made a presentation on sound nutrition choices. Jamaica Plain is a traditionally Hispanic community in Boston.
The event was coordinated by Nader Acevedo nacevedo@hainst.org , Executive Vice President of the Institute. "At each of these Institute events nonprofits acquire more tools to pursue their mission with greater effectiveness and stability", remarked Nader.
The Workshop is part of the Instiute's Financing Initiative, which helps nonprofits and businesses serving the Hispanic population secure the resources needed to carry out their mission.
The program featured speakers and panelists from various sources of financing support including foundations, government agencies and management consultants. Over forty organizations attended the event.
The keynote speaker was State Representative Jeffrey Sanchez, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing of the Massachusetts Legislature.
Pamela Hung, Program Associate for Health at The Boston Foundation, spoke on the foundation's efforts in promoting access to healthy foods and wellness in low income communities.
David Polatin, Assistant District Director for Business Development at theU.S. Small Business Administration spoke on the agency's financing opportunities for nonprofits and local businesses.Marcus Weiss, president of Economic Development Assistance Consortium, a national management consulting firm specializing in grantsmanship and strategic planning, addressed opportunities for nonprofits under the Healthy Food Financing Initiative of the federal government.
Alberto Calvo, president of Stop and Compare Supermarkets and board member of Social Capital Inc., detailed the strategic process of organizational growth and financing.
The event was catered courtesy of the Jamaica Plain store of Whole Foods Market, whose Healthy Eating Specialist, Denise Nevarez, made a presentation on sound nutrition choices. Jamaica Plain is a traditionally Hispanic community in Boston.
The event was coordinated by Nader Acevedo nacevedo@hainst.org , Executive Vice President of the Institute. "At each of these Institute events nonprofits acquire more tools to pursue their mission with greater effectiveness and stability", remarked Nader.
THIRD HEALTHY FOOD PRACTITIONERS SYMPOSIUM PROMOTES WELLNESS
The Hispanic-American Institute held its third Healthy Food Practitioners Symposium on Monday, March 9 at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, with over sixty key representatives of the health, business, government, nonprofit, and foundation sectors joining the lively discussion. The leadoff speaker was Andreina Millan Ferro of the Latino Diabetes Initiative at the Joslin Diabetes Center, one of the nation's leading diabetes research and treatment facilities. Ms. Millan framed the issue of nutrition and its link to the high incidence of obesity and diabetes among Hispanic youth and adults. Click here to see Ms. Millan's presentation.
The keynote speaker was Joe Quinn, Senior Director, Issue Management and Strategic Outreach for Walmart Corporation, the world's largest food retailer. Mr. Quinn spoke of Walmart's market-changing initiatives to make healthy foods more available and affordable to its 120 million-plus weekly customers, and its collaboration with the health insurer Humana to offer savings on foods with the Walmart Great For You logo. Click here for Mr. Quinn's presentation.
Ivan Baez, Director of Corporate Affairs for Walmart Puerto Rico, spoke of Walmart's support for small farmers there as part of the company's efforts to strengthen the local food supply chain. Click here for Mr. Baez's presentation. Luis Valderrama spoke of related efforts to widen the healthy food supply chain in Puerto Rico.
Gus Schumacher of Wholesome Wave Foundation, former U.S. Undersecretary of Agriculture and Massachusetts Agriculture Commissioner, addressed incentives in the 2014 Farm Bill for wellness promotion and more affordable access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Wholesome Wave has led this move through its Double Value Coupon Program and Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program, now available in many states. See Mr. Schumacher's presentation.
Anne Thorndike, MD of Massachusetts General Hospital, Gabriella Mora of The Food Trust, and Guillermo Fernandez of Stop and Compare Supermarkets spoke of efforts to make available healthier foods through corner grocery stores and smaller supermarkets in food deserts. (Please click on their names to see their presentations.)
As a result of the Symposium, Wholesome Wave and Compare Supermarkets are collaborating on launching farmers' markets in Chelsea and Lynn, and more local fruit and vegetable farms are being lined up to supply Compare's inner-city markets.
A panel discussion led by Marcus Weiss, president of Economic Development Assistance Consortium, a national community economic development consulting firm, addressed issues including the role of the Spanish language media in promoting wellness and healthy eating.
The keynote speaker was Joe Quinn, Senior Director, Issue Management and Strategic Outreach for Walmart Corporation, the world's largest food retailer. Mr. Quinn spoke of Walmart's market-changing initiatives to make healthy foods more available and affordable to its 120 million-plus weekly customers, and its collaboration with the health insurer Humana to offer savings on foods with the Walmart Great For You logo. Click here for Mr. Quinn's presentation.
Ivan Baez, Director of Corporate Affairs for Walmart Puerto Rico, spoke of Walmart's support for small farmers there as part of the company's efforts to strengthen the local food supply chain. Click here for Mr. Baez's presentation. Luis Valderrama spoke of related efforts to widen the healthy food supply chain in Puerto Rico.
Gus Schumacher of Wholesome Wave Foundation, former U.S. Undersecretary of Agriculture and Massachusetts Agriculture Commissioner, addressed incentives in the 2014 Farm Bill for wellness promotion and more affordable access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Wholesome Wave has led this move through its Double Value Coupon Program and Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program, now available in many states. See Mr. Schumacher's presentation.
Anne Thorndike, MD of Massachusetts General Hospital, Gabriella Mora of The Food Trust, and Guillermo Fernandez of Stop and Compare Supermarkets spoke of efforts to make available healthier foods through corner grocery stores and smaller supermarkets in food deserts. (Please click on their names to see their presentations.)
As a result of the Symposium, Wholesome Wave and Compare Supermarkets are collaborating on launching farmers' markets in Chelsea and Lynn, and more local fruit and vegetable farms are being lined up to supply Compare's inner-city markets.
A panel discussion led by Marcus Weiss, president of Economic Development Assistance Consortium, a national community economic development consulting firm, addressed issues including the role of the Spanish language media in promoting wellness and healthy eating.
ALBUQUERQUE CONFERENCE ADDRESSES HUNGER AS A HEALTHCARE ISSUE
Institute President Bruce Young-Candelaria byc@hainst.org participated in the June 2 Come to the Table conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico hosted by Presbyterian Healthcare Services, the state's largest health care provider and insurer, Promedica, a major hospital in Ohio and Michigan, and The Alliance to End Hunger. The gathering focused on the role of health care providers in promoting healthy eating at the community level.
"Eighty percent of what impacts health is outside the medical delivery system", said Lee W. Hammerling, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Physician Executive of Promedica.
James H. Hinton, President and CEO of Presbyterian Healthcare Services, spoke of the provider's emphasis on healthy eating and active living in his presentation "Healthcare's Place at the Table"
Kathleen Davis, RN, Senior VP at Presbyterian, spoke on the provider's community alliances in her presentation "Partnering with Communities to Address Hunger in New Mexico"
"This was a great opportunity for major health care providers to engage with the community," said Vicki Pozzebon, co-founder of Delicious New Mexico, a marketing organization for locally produced healthy foods.
Health care providers nationwide are responding to the new emphasis placed on prevention, community benefits, and wellness by the Affordable Care Act. Presbyterian is a signatory to the Healthy Food in Healthcare Pledge of Healthcare Without Harm, an international health sector reform organization.
"Eighty percent of what impacts health is outside the medical delivery system", said Lee W. Hammerling, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Physician Executive of Promedica.
James H. Hinton, President and CEO of Presbyterian Healthcare Services, spoke of the provider's emphasis on healthy eating and active living in his presentation "Healthcare's Place at the Table"
Kathleen Davis, RN, Senior VP at Presbyterian, spoke on the provider's community alliances in her presentation "Partnering with Communities to Address Hunger in New Mexico"
"This was a great opportunity for major health care providers to engage with the community," said Vicki Pozzebon, co-founder of Delicious New Mexico, a marketing organization for locally produced healthy foods.
Health care providers nationwide are responding to the new emphasis placed on prevention, community benefits, and wellness by the Affordable Care Act. Presbyterian is a signatory to the Healthy Food in Healthcare Pledge of Healthcare Without Harm, an international health sector reform organization.
SECOND HEALTHY FOOD PRACTITIONERS FORUM
FEATURES PRIME SPEAKERS
Participants stayed late to network and discuss outstanding presentations at the Institute's Second Healthy Food Practitioner Symposium on healthy food access and choices in urban areas, held at Embassy English in Boston the evening of November 20, 2014.
The Symposium is part of the Institute's Healthy Food and Wellness Initiative, which seeks to bring various influences to bear on complex issues related to healthy eating and wellness in what has been called "food deserts" in urban and rural areas. The Healthy Food and Wellness Initiative is promoted by the Institute in New England, and also in Puerto Rico through the Healthy Food Business Initiative and New Mexico through the Rio Grande Community Development Corporation.
Keynote speaker for the event was Augustus (Gus) Schumacher, an international leader in sustainable agriculture and healthy food access for disadvantaged communities. Gus is Executive Vice President of Wholesome Wave, a national catalyst in making fresh and healthy foods more accessible and affordable in low income populations. He is former Undersecretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Commissioner of Agriculture of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and senior lender at the World Bank. Mr. Schumacher spoke about the work of Wholesome Wave in promoting access to fresh foods through national incentive programs including the Double Value Coupon Program and the Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program. Lea Susana Ojamaa, Director of Prevention and Wellness of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, was Guest Speaker. She addressed the Department's work in the areas of chronic disease prevention and healthy community initiatives, including Mass In Motion and the Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program.
Daniel Ross, president of DAISA Enterprises, spoke about his work with entrepreneurs to strengthen business plans and with investors and funders to maximize their impact, especially on food projects. Daniel served 16 years as Executive Director of Nuestras Raices, a grass-roots organization promoting economic, human and community development in Holyoke, Massachusetts, and as Chief Operating Officer of Wholesome Wave.
Katherine E. Ollender of the Tufts University School of Public Health, spoke of her work on a "how to" guide for community groups wishing to partner with food retailers on health and wellness initiatives. Katherine coordinated the youth component of The Food Trust Healthy Corner Store Initiative in Philadelphia.
Melissa Dimond is the Manager of Community Initiatives for Healthy Living at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Chelsea HealthCare Center. She described the Center's citiwide obesity prevention initiative titled "Healthy Chelsea" and its collaboration with MGH to improve healthy food product placement in corner grocery stores. Melissa is a fonding Regional Director of The Food Project, Inc., an organization specializing in youth development and local, sustainable food systems.
Lorena Macias-Navarro is a visiting scientist at the Department of Nutrition of the Harvard School of Public Health. She spoke of her research on strategies to promote healthy eating behaviors and reducing the intake of sugar sweetened beverages in low income Latino communities. About the Symposium, Ms. Macias-Navarro said, "Fostering these types of interactions and forums to share knowledge are important avenues to create better, inclusive strategies to improve access to healthy foods and overall health."Speakers were followed by a panel discussion led by Alberto Calvo, president of Stop and Compare Supermarkets in Massachusetts and Rhode Island Marcus Weiss, president of Economic Development Assistance Consortium, a national community economic development consulting firm David Crowley, founder and president of Social Capital, Inc. and Grantley Payne, Healthy Dorchester Coordinator at the Bowdoin Street Health Center.
Linda Walsh, Regional Manager for Embassy English, and Nader Acevedo, Executive Vice President of the Institute, welcomed the audience.Alberto Vasallo, editor of El Mundo newspaper, moderated the Symposium. Participants included Gabriella Mora, Project Manager at The Food Trust, Attorney Apolo Catala, Nestor Rodriguez, General Manager of Spinal Rehab Group, Ann Cody of Nuestras Raices, Inc., Juan Lopera of TUFTS Health Plan, and Helen Cajigas, MD.
The Symposium is part of the Institute's Healthy Food and Wellness Initiative, which seeks to bring various influences to bear on complex issues related to healthy eating and wellness in what has been called "food deserts" in urban and rural areas. The Healthy Food and Wellness Initiative is promoted by the Institute in New England, and also in Puerto Rico through the Healthy Food Business Initiative and New Mexico through the Rio Grande Community Development Corporation.
Keynote speaker for the event was Augustus (Gus) Schumacher, an international leader in sustainable agriculture and healthy food access for disadvantaged communities. Gus is Executive Vice President of Wholesome Wave, a national catalyst in making fresh and healthy foods more accessible and affordable in low income populations. He is former Undersecretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Commissioner of Agriculture of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and senior lender at the World Bank. Mr. Schumacher spoke about the work of Wholesome Wave in promoting access to fresh foods through national incentive programs including the Double Value Coupon Program and the Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program. Lea Susana Ojamaa, Director of Prevention and Wellness of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, was Guest Speaker. She addressed the Department's work in the areas of chronic disease prevention and healthy community initiatives, including Mass In Motion and the Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program.
Daniel Ross, president of DAISA Enterprises, spoke about his work with entrepreneurs to strengthen business plans and with investors and funders to maximize their impact, especially on food projects. Daniel served 16 years as Executive Director of Nuestras Raices, a grass-roots organization promoting economic, human and community development in Holyoke, Massachusetts, and as Chief Operating Officer of Wholesome Wave.
Katherine E. Ollender of the Tufts University School of Public Health, spoke of her work on a "how to" guide for community groups wishing to partner with food retailers on health and wellness initiatives. Katherine coordinated the youth component of The Food Trust Healthy Corner Store Initiative in Philadelphia.
Melissa Dimond is the Manager of Community Initiatives for Healthy Living at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Chelsea HealthCare Center. She described the Center's citiwide obesity prevention initiative titled "Healthy Chelsea" and its collaboration with MGH to improve healthy food product placement in corner grocery stores. Melissa is a fonding Regional Director of The Food Project, Inc., an organization specializing in youth development and local, sustainable food systems.
Lorena Macias-Navarro is a visiting scientist at the Department of Nutrition of the Harvard School of Public Health. She spoke of her research on strategies to promote healthy eating behaviors and reducing the intake of sugar sweetened beverages in low income Latino communities. About the Symposium, Ms. Macias-Navarro said, "Fostering these types of interactions and forums to share knowledge are important avenues to create better, inclusive strategies to improve access to healthy foods and overall health."Speakers were followed by a panel discussion led by Alberto Calvo, president of Stop and Compare Supermarkets in Massachusetts and Rhode Island Marcus Weiss, president of Economic Development Assistance Consortium, a national community economic development consulting firm David Crowley, founder and president of Social Capital, Inc. and Grantley Payne, Healthy Dorchester Coordinator at the Bowdoin Street Health Center.
Linda Walsh, Regional Manager for Embassy English, and Nader Acevedo, Executive Vice President of the Institute, welcomed the audience.Alberto Vasallo, editor of El Mundo newspaper, moderated the Symposium. Participants included Gabriella Mora, Project Manager at The Food Trust, Attorney Apolo Catala, Nestor Rodriguez, General Manager of Spinal Rehab Group, Ann Cody of Nuestras Raices, Inc., Juan Lopera of TUFTS Health Plan, and Helen Cajigas, MD.
INSTITUTE ADVANCES INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION IN COLLABORATION WITH LATIN AMERICA UNIVERSITIES
The Hispanic-American Institute is renewing Memorandums of Understanding with universities in South America that have led students there to enroll in academic and language programs at several Boston area educational institutions.
Institute Executive Vice President Nader Acevedo recently returned from Colombia after meetings with officials at Universidad de Medellín and Universidad de Envigado. Mr. Acevedo draws on a decade of experience negotiating academic exchanges between colleges in Latin America and New England.
Institute Executive Vice President Nader Acevedo recently returned from Colombia after meetings with officials at Universidad de Medellín and Universidad de Envigado. Mr. Acevedo draws on a decade of experience negotiating academic exchanges between colleges in Latin America and New England.
INSTITUTE HOLDS FOUNDATION FUNDING
WORKSHOP FOR MASSACHUSETTS NONPROFITS
Foundation support for nonprofits serving the New England Hispanic community was the topic of the Funding Workshop held by the Institute on September 9, 2014 at Boston Private Bank & Trust Company. The workshop was part of the Institute's Financing Initiative, which seeks to help Hispanic-serving entities secure resources to carry out their mission.
Over thirty representatives of area schools, community service and development organizations, health care facilities, and cultural entities gathered to hear a panel of foundation representatives and funding experts. Participants included Fernando Sanchez of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, Allyson Ahern of the Massachusetts General Hospital Development Office, Kelly Baker of Casa Esperanza, Paul Rawate of Sociedad Latina, Shane Dunn of Excel Academy Charter Schools, and David Parker of Entrepreneurship for All.
Over thirty representatives of area schools, community service and development organizations, health care facilities, and cultural entities gathered to hear a panel of foundation representatives and funding experts. Participants included Fernando Sanchez of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, Allyson Ahern of the Massachusetts General Hospital Development Office, Kelly Baker of Casa Esperanza, Paul Rawate of Sociedad Latina, Shane Dunn of Excel Academy Charter Schools, and David Parker of Entrepreneurship for All.
INSTITUTE PROMOTES SMALL BUSINESS FINANCING
AT SBA SEMINAR IN MASSACHUSETTS
Bank financing and Federal government contracting for small businesses were the topics of a Get Cash and Contracts seminar hosted by the Institute and the U.S. Small Business Administration on June 25, 2014 at the SBA in Boston.
Community InterestOver twenty businesses participated in the event, which was part of the Institute's Financing Initiative to promote greater access by Hispanic-run businesses and nonprofits to bank, foundation, and public financing. Participants included Fernando Domenech, president of DHK Architects, Lisa Martin of Make it Personal Designs, Lorenzo Quinones of C-Q Construction, Ariel Schmidt of Schmidt Printing, Gladys Santana of Diaz and Sons Construction, and Rafael Calderon of Tzell Travel.
SBA ProgramsTopics covered included doing business with the Federal Government, the world's largest buyer eligibility requirements for SBA-guaranteed bank loans the 8(a) small business set-aside program and registering with the SBA's SAM (System for Award Management).
Institute Executive Vice President Nader Acevedo and David Polatin, Lead Business Opportunity Specialist of the SBA, hosted the event. Terry Moore spoke about the 8(a) program and Carlos Hernandez addressed SBA-backed bank loans.
"These events are always helpful for new businesses to get to know the SBA's lending and 8(a) procurement programs," said Lorenzo Quinones of C-Q Construction in Framingham.
Community InterestOver twenty businesses participated in the event, which was part of the Institute's Financing Initiative to promote greater access by Hispanic-run businesses and nonprofits to bank, foundation, and public financing. Participants included Fernando Domenech, president of DHK Architects, Lisa Martin of Make it Personal Designs, Lorenzo Quinones of C-Q Construction, Ariel Schmidt of Schmidt Printing, Gladys Santana of Diaz and Sons Construction, and Rafael Calderon of Tzell Travel.
SBA ProgramsTopics covered included doing business with the Federal Government, the world's largest buyer eligibility requirements for SBA-guaranteed bank loans the 8(a) small business set-aside program and registering with the SBA's SAM (System for Award Management).
Institute Executive Vice President Nader Acevedo and David Polatin, Lead Business Opportunity Specialist of the SBA, hosted the event. Terry Moore spoke about the 8(a) program and Carlos Hernandez addressed SBA-backed bank loans.
"These events are always helpful for new businesses to get to know the SBA's lending and 8(a) procurement programs," said Lorenzo Quinones of C-Q Construction in Framingham.
HEALTHY FOOD INITIATIVE TARGETS IMPROVED NUTRITION
FOR HISPANIC COMMUNITIES IN MASSACHUSETTS
Nutrition experts, community leaders, and food business operators gathered at the Institute's Healthy Food Symposium in Boston on March 25, 2014 to address ways of improving access by Hispanic and other low and moderate income populations to healthy, affordable, and locally sourced foods. TheSymposium was part of the Institute's ongoingHealthy Food and Wellness Initiative in the Northeast, Puerto Rico, and New Mexico.
Congressman McGovern's Message
Sponsored by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and Boston Private Bank &Trust Company, the meeting highlighted issues and best practices in New England. Opening remarks were delivered by Gladys Rodriguez Parker, Senior District Representative for Congressman James P. McGovern, a key member of the House Agriculture Committee and a career-long advocate for Hispanics in the U.S. and Latin America. Ms. Rodriguez spoke of the Congressman's efforts to balance community and business interests in the $956 billion 2014 Farm Bill. She said "The Congressman fought hard to avoid the final $8 billion cut in Food Stamps," a vital source of healthy foods for low income communities.
Strong Hispanic Participation
A principal speaker was Alberto Calvo, president of Compare Supermarkets, a family owned business serving the diverse Latino communities in greater Boston and Providence with over 120 employees and $16 million in annual sales. Mr. Calvo, an engineer and community advocate, remarked of the Symposium that "I have participated in many discussions on healthy eating and healthy living for the Latino community, and this was one of the few times I have seen so many Hispanics on both the speakers' podium and in the audience." Compare was the U.S. Small Business Administration 2013 Minority Business of the Year for Massachusetts and New England.
See Mr. Calvo's presentation and Hispanic market data
Anne Thorndike MD, MPH, of the Harvard Medical School, addressed the gathering on her research to improve access and inform consumer choices at the retail level. Dr. Thorndike is examining the use of graphics and other marketing measures to identify healthy foods on the shelves of local grocery stores.
See Dr. Thorndike's presentation
Puerto Rico Project
Another main speaker was Luis Valderrama, vice president of Brightwood Development Corporation, a Community Development Corporation that has developed an integrated food production and distribution facility in Puerto Rico. Marcus Weiss, president ofEconomic Development Assistance Consortium (EDAC), a consulting firm advising Brightwood, praised the efforts of the group to help broaden availability of healthy foods in low income communities. "Brightwood has overcome a mountain of obstacles to put up a working food hub in western Puerto Rico", said Mr. Weiss.
Congressman McGovern's Message
Sponsored by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and Boston Private Bank &Trust Company, the meeting highlighted issues and best practices in New England. Opening remarks were delivered by Gladys Rodriguez Parker, Senior District Representative for Congressman James P. McGovern, a key member of the House Agriculture Committee and a career-long advocate for Hispanics in the U.S. and Latin America. Ms. Rodriguez spoke of the Congressman's efforts to balance community and business interests in the $956 billion 2014 Farm Bill. She said "The Congressman fought hard to avoid the final $8 billion cut in Food Stamps," a vital source of healthy foods for low income communities.
Strong Hispanic Participation
A principal speaker was Alberto Calvo, president of Compare Supermarkets, a family owned business serving the diverse Latino communities in greater Boston and Providence with over 120 employees and $16 million in annual sales. Mr. Calvo, an engineer and community advocate, remarked of the Symposium that "I have participated in many discussions on healthy eating and healthy living for the Latino community, and this was one of the few times I have seen so many Hispanics on both the speakers' podium and in the audience." Compare was the U.S. Small Business Administration 2013 Minority Business of the Year for Massachusetts and New England.
See Mr. Calvo's presentation and Hispanic market data
Anne Thorndike MD, MPH, of the Harvard Medical School, addressed the gathering on her research to improve access and inform consumer choices at the retail level. Dr. Thorndike is examining the use of graphics and other marketing measures to identify healthy foods on the shelves of local grocery stores.
See Dr. Thorndike's presentation
Puerto Rico Project
Another main speaker was Luis Valderrama, vice president of Brightwood Development Corporation, a Community Development Corporation that has developed an integrated food production and distribution facility in Puerto Rico. Marcus Weiss, president ofEconomic Development Assistance Consortium (EDAC), a consulting firm advising Brightwood, praised the efforts of the group to help broaden availability of healthy foods in low income communities. "Brightwood has overcome a mountain of obstacles to put up a working food hub in western Puerto Rico", said Mr. Weiss.
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