PAST INITIATIVES
LET'S MOVE
Brief Overview
Let’s Move was launched in 2012 in Magnolia Park to promote safe and accessible opportunities for physical activity within the community. Developed in response to resident feedback, the program addressed a growing interest in engaging in regular fitness.
Participants took part in free yoga and Zumba classes offered three to four times per week—creating a welcoming, community-centered environment that encouraged consistent participation and active living.
The program expanded access to physical activity and supported participants in building healthier routines within their daily lives.
Impact
Communities
Magnolia Park
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE PROGRAM (HLP)
Brief Overview
The Healthy Lifestyle Program was a six-week curriculum focused on promoting healthy eating and active living within families. Designed for parents and caregivers, the program built confidence and provided practical tools to support healthier daily choices.
Participants engaged in interactive activities, cooking demonstrations, healthy food tastings, and goal-setting exercises—creating a hands-on experience that made it easier to apply what they learned at home.
The program demonstrated strong retention and led to meaningful behavior changes, while also increasing participants’ confidence in managing their family’s health.
Impact
Sunnyside, Northeast Houston, and Fifth Ward
COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL GARDENS
Brief Overview
CAN DO Houston has established and enhanced more than 12 vegetable gardens in communities and schools across Houston. These gardens engage thousands of students and community members each year, creating accessible opportunities for hands-on learning and community involvement.
Participants take part in planting, harvesting, and maintaining the gardens—gaining practical experience while building connections to science, health, and economic development.
Impact
Near Northside, Fifth Ward, and Independence Heights
COMMUNITY FOOD FAIRS
Brief Overview
CAN DO Houston’s Mobile Produce Unit is designed to improve access to fresh, affordable fruits and vegetables in communities where nutritious food options are limited. The program helps reduce barriers to healthy eating by bringing produce directly into neighborhoods with the greatest need.
A key feature of the Mobile Produce Unit is its acceptance of SNAP benefits, making healthy food more accessible for individuals and families. In partnership with the Houston Food Bank, the unit has been actively deployed in communities such as Independence Heights and the Fifth Ward.
In 2016, the program expanded to include pop-up grocery tours, helping participants build practical skills for making healthier food choices while shopping.
Impact
Communities Involved
Fifth Ward and Independence Heights
Brief Overview
Let’s Move was launched in 2012 in Magnolia Park to promote safe and accessible opportunities for physical activity within the community. Developed in response to resident feedback, the program addressed a growing interest in engaging in regular fitness.
Participants took part in free yoga and Zumba classes offered three to four times per week—creating a welcoming, community-centered environment that encouraged consistent participation and active living.
The program expanded access to physical activity and supported participants in building healthier routines within their daily lives.
Impact
- Over 600 residents participated in at least one class.
- Participants improved their hip-to-waist ratio, BMI, blood pressure, flexibility and strength, and cardiovascular endurance
Communities
Magnolia Park
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE PROGRAM (HLP)
Brief Overview
The Healthy Lifestyle Program was a six-week curriculum focused on promoting healthy eating and active living within families. Designed for parents and caregivers, the program built confidence and provided practical tools to support healthier daily choices.
Participants engaged in interactive activities, cooking demonstrations, healthy food tastings, and goal-setting exercises—creating a hands-on experience that made it easier to apply what they learned at home.
The program demonstrated strong retention and led to meaningful behavior changes, while also increasing participants’ confidence in managing their family’s health.
Impact
- 4 cohorts across 3 participating communities.
- 15 – 20 participants per session
- Participants showed improvements in their behaviors, home environments, and self-efficacy.
Sunnyside, Northeast Houston, and Fifth Ward
COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL GARDENS
Brief Overview
CAN DO Houston has established and enhanced more than 12 vegetable gardens in communities and schools across Houston. These gardens engage thousands of students and community members each year, creating accessible opportunities for hands-on learning and community involvement.
Participants take part in planting, harvesting, and maintaining the gardens—gaining practical experience while building connections to science, health, and economic development.
Impact
- 12 community gardens across 3 communities.
- The training supports classroom learning and enhances students' knowledge and comprehension.
- Economic development opportunities allow students and community members to sell their harvests at low prices, increasing access to healthy food options.
Near Northside, Fifth Ward, and Independence Heights
COMMUNITY FOOD FAIRS
Brief Overview
CAN DO Houston’s Mobile Produce Unit is designed to improve access to fresh, affordable fruits and vegetables in communities where nutritious food options are limited. The program helps reduce barriers to healthy eating by bringing produce directly into neighborhoods with the greatest need.
A key feature of the Mobile Produce Unit is its acceptance of SNAP benefits, making healthy food more accessible for individuals and families. In partnership with the Houston Food Bank, the unit has been actively deployed in communities such as Independence Heights and the Fifth Ward.
In 2016, the program expanded to include pop-up grocery tours, helping participants build practical skills for making healthier food choices while shopping.
Impact
- 27 food fairs across 2 communities within one year.
- 2737 families attended the food fairs.
- 194,448 pounds of food were distributed.
Communities Involved
Fifth Ward and Independence Heights