Purpose

To develop sustainable strategies that encourages the population of Crow Wing County to make healthy choices.

General Desired Outcomes

  1. Increase access to healthy food choices.
  2. Increase active living opportunities and active lifestyles.
  3. Promote and support healthy environments.

The Healthy Choices Goal Group meets monthly. To get involved with this Goal Group please contact co-chairs Ryan Sjoblad Ryan.Sjoblad@HRC-Manorcare.com  or David Chanski dchanski@ci.brainerd.mn.us

Identified Focus Areas

Aging Coalition
Approaches: Meet regularly to develop and promote health and wellness options for the aging population in Crow Wing County. Click to download PDF with detailed information about The Guiding Principles. Aging Coalition Guiding Principles

Food Resources
University of Minnesota Extension’s SNAP-Ed program makes the healthy choice the easy choice for Minnesotans with limited financial resources.
Learn About Food Resources in Crow Wing County»

Healthy School Food Day
Approaches: Healthy Concessions, Vending machines, Farm to school, School gardens.
View this child-friendly clip
Discover healthy ideas for Breakfast»

Active School Day
Approaches: Active Recess, Before and after school activity, PE curriculum, Safe Route to School
Read about Brainerd Dispatch article about active classrooms

Healthy Food In The Community
Approaches: Food Shelves
Farmer’s Market availability & possible EBT addition, City gardens.

Healthy Eating: Food Shelves

  • Brainerd Lakes Salvation Army Food Shelf
    208 S 5th St, Brainerd | 218-829-1120 | Tues. – Fri. 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

  • Cuyuna Range Food Shelf
    302 Cross Ave, Crosby | 218-546-7444 | 2nd & 3rd Wed. 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.

  • Crosslake Emergency Food Shelf
    34212 CR 3, Crosslake | 218-692-1004 | 1st & 3rd Fri. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

  • Emily Area Food Shelf
    20948 Co. Rd. #1, Emily | 218-763-3097 | 3rd Wed. 9:30 – 11 a.m. & Thurs. 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. & 1st Wed. 9:30 – 11 a.m. bread & produce only

  • Garrison Area Care Givers Food Shelf
    9535 Madison St., Garrison | 320-692-5399 | Tues. & Thurs. 1 – 5 p.m.

  • Lakes Area Food Shelf
    29280 State Hwy 371, Pequot Lakes | 218-568-8474 | Tues. & Thurs. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
    Here are some ideas to lower your food costs»

Active Living

Approaches: Walkable & Bikeable Communities, Safe Routes to School, Project Revive.

City of Baxter  trails
City of Brainerd trails
Cuyuna Lakes mountain bikes trails
St. Mathias Park Trails with Heritage Walking Route 

General information on physical activity for adults

How to Fit a Child Bike Helmet

Click to download instruction PDF. CWE_Helmet_Fit_1up

Position the helmet to sit LOW on the child’s forehead with two finger-widths above the eyebrows. The child should be able to look upward and see the front rim of the bicycle helmet. The left and right side straps form a “Y” and meet right below the ears. Allow two fingers space under the chin strap. Ask the child to shake from side-to-side and up-and-down (no or yes motion). The helmet should not wobble.