5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count

This was the first of three years of funding in Sioux City, and the third and final year of funding in Sergeant Bluff. This year, Sioux City directed funds to Apple Tree Daycare Center, The Boys and Girls Club of Siouxland, the All-Abilities Coalition, the Parks and Recreation Department, Beyond the Bell, and Downtown Partners. Sergeant Bluff directed funds to their public library, Parks and Recreation Department, and the Sergeant Bluff Luton Elementary School.

Sioux City’s year one projects:

• Apple Tree Daycare Center in Morningside, which has the highest enrollment among daycare centers in Sioux City, installed a filtered, refrigerated water bottle filling station for use by the children and staff.

• The Boys and Girls Club of Siouxland (BGC) purchased a hydroponic garden system to offer gardening workshops for their students during their summer programs. The kids harvested lettuce that they grew themselves to take home and share with their families.

• The All Abilities Coalition and the Siouxland District Health Department partnered with several locations in the community to purchase adapted sports equipment. The Miracle League purchased adapted basketball hoops, Siouxland Adaptive Sports received hockey sleds and a beeping hockey puck, Camp High Hopes received adaptive fishing equipment, and three bowling alleys received retractable handle bowling balls, a ball pusher, and a switch activated ramp.

• Sioux City’s Parks and Recreation Department received funding toward the installation of gaga ball and cornhole games for the new riverfront development in Chris Larsen Park. These permanent installations will encourage children and adults alike to incorporate more active leisure into their visit to the park.

• Beyond the Bell used funds to purchase several bikes for their first ever Bike Club this summer. Students showed a lot of enthusiasm for the new club!

“Some things I liked about bike riding are being able to enjoy nature, riding with friends, going to new places, and having fun! I definitely want to do it again next year and I hope more people come too.” – Fernanda

“I was skeptical the first time about riding a bike. I couldn’t get my leg over, but then the second time I tried it was so easy. I think BTB should make this a every month thing.” – Devin

“I like the bikes a lot because when I ride them it is a smooth ride all along the trails. I would like to go on more trails next year because it is also good exercise.” – Alex

• Downtown Partners, in partnership with MercyOne Medical Center, used 5-2-1-0 funds for the creation of signs that prompt physical activity, posted throughout the skywalk system downtown. Illustrations show how to do simple body weight exercises that require no workout equipment.

The steering committee, made up of representatives from public health, recreation, nutrition, and human services sectors, will meet this fall to discuss year two projects. These projects will be implemented in the spring/summer of next year.