Mariner Fest is a community resource fair featuring local agencies sharing resources with families in the Mariner Community, held at Mariner High School. This year’s event was presented by Project Girl Mentoring Program, Everett Housing Authority, and Sno-Isle Libraries. Project Girl facilitated the back-to-school backpack and school supplies giveaway program to over 1200 students, along with free food for everyone throughout the day.
Providence Institute for a Healthier Community was onsite for the day supporting the event and providing back to school supplies, health education nutrition information Seasons of Eating and handouts for our resource hub – where to access resources at www.livewelllocal.org such as healthy food, food banks, community gardens, and farmers markets. Folks of all ages played a fun trivia game motivating them to eat more fruits and vegetables and testing their knowledge of fruits and veggies.
Dr. Margaret Towolawi, author of Ayomide and Seyi’s Kitchen: A kids’ guide to plant-based nutrition from A to Z, provided a book reading to dozens of children. Dr. Towolawi shared her alphabet-themed story, introducing plant-based foods with vibrant illustrations, motivating kids and families to eat fruits and veggies.
With over 60 Community-Based organizations present throughout the day, families had opportunities to connect and engage with local resources offering empowerment, and support. Special guest, NBA legend Shawn Kemp, made an appearance at Saturday’s event encouraging youth and families for back to school.
The day was filled with entertainment, free food, access to resources, and perfect sunny weather—thank you all for a great event!
Why we do this work: Programs like these are part of North Puget Sound’s Community Health Investment (CHI) efforts in service to our Mission and commitment to community health. Our CHI programs partner with local organizations, bridge the gaps in care and connect with our community. Learn more about our CHI efforts in NPS in our latest Community Benefit Report and our Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA)andCommunity Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).
Have questions about NPS CHI or Community Benefit? Reach out to Anne Alkema at [email protected].
