Iowa Healthiest State Initiative

07/23/2026

🥕🍓🌽 Healthy habits are on display at MercyOne Newton Pediatrics!

We're excited to spotlight Dr. Metts and the team at MercyOne Newton Pediatrics, the very first healthcare site to register after the relaunch of our 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! initiative in partnership with the Iowa Medical Society!

From colorful fruits and vegetables decorating exam room windows to conversations about healthy lifestyles with families, this team is helping make healthy choices the easy choices for Iowa kids.

Healthcare providers can register to become a 5-2-1-0 Site for free below!

https://www.iowahealthieststate.com/5210-healthcare

07/12/2026

Want to make a difference in your community?

We're looking for people who are passionate about supporting mental health and reducing stigma to become Make It OK Ambassadors. Whether you're interested in speaking, volunteering, sharing resources, or simply helping start conversations, there's a place for you. No mental health expertise required—just a willingness to help spread awareness. 💚🧠


Learn more and sign up below!

is someone who has a passion for reducing mental illness stigma in their community. An Ambassador does not need to be an expert on mental health but someone who enjoys connecting, engaging, educating and promoting mental health awareness.

07/11/2026

Join North Star Community Services for their fourth annual, most ducky, dare we say, most quack-tacular "Duck Dash 5k & Kid's Fun Run," happening on July 18, 2026.🦆

This event features a 5K, Kid's Fun Run, and Great Rubber Duck Splash fundraiser. If you are in the Cedar Falls area, sign up and support North Star Community Services below!

Join North Star for our fourth annual, most ducky, dare we say, most quack-tacular "Duck Dash 5k & Kid's Fun Run," happening on July 18, 2026.

07/11/2026

The 2026 Healthiest State Annual Walk presented by Delta Dental of Iowa is on October 7th and registration opens August 13th! Mark your calendars and add a reminder to your calendar as we move Iowa forward this fall! 🚶‍➡️ 🚶‍♀️‍➡️ 🚶‍♂️‍➡️

Moving Iowa forward starts with healthy habits, whether it's taking a walk, making healthier food choices, connecting with others, or prioritizing mental wellness, every positive choice contributes to a stronger and healthier future for Iowa.

The Annual Walk is an opportunity to join thousands of other Iowans statewide in walking for 30 minutes. Workplaces, schools, organizations and cities are all encouraged to register a walk!

07/10/2026

Healthcare providers...we're putting together a team! Join other providers from across Iowa by registering as a 5-2-1-0 healthcare site for free resources and support to help your patients make the healthy choice the easy choice. 🔴🔵🟢🟡

From handouts to videos and so much more the Iowa Medical Society and HSI are here to make your job to support the health of your patients easier!

By incorporating 5-2-1-0 messages into your health care practice, you can promote healthy lifestyles and give your patients the tools they need to get and stay healthy.

07/09/2026

Knowing what is in season is HUGE for getting the most budget friendly and fresh produce available. Luckily, Choose Iowa has a complete guide on what's in season in Iowa from Apples to Zucchini. See what you should be shopping for and on your next shopping trip!🍎🥒

07/09/2026

The Iowa Hunger Summit from our friends at the World Food Prize Foundation is coming up on July 22nd! This event brings together a diverse group of participants, including policymakers, activists, community leaders and individuals passionate about addressing food-related challenges. 💪

Don't miss it, and the Iowa Hunger Summit Meal Packaging Event the day before the summit on July 21st!

🔗https://www.iowahealthieststate.com/calendar/iowa-hunger-summit-2026

07/08/2026

July is made for sunshine, road trips, lake days, baseball tournaments, and backyard cookouts. Whether you're heading to the beach, cheering from the sidelines, or spending the day outdoors, a well-packed cooler can help keep energy levels up and hunger at bay. 💪🍎

Here are some cooler staples that make summer eating both delicious and nutritious from a registered Hy-Vee dietitian!

The best coolers include a combination of protein, fiber, healthy fats, and hydrating foods to help keep you fueled and satisfied throughout the day. Here are some cooler staples that make summer eating both delicious and nutritious.

07/08/2026

Last month, our Healthy Incentives Director, Jazzmine Brooks, was named the 2026 James Durham Health Practitioner of the Year at the Iowa Juneteenth Observance!🏆

From supporting families as a doula to helping Iowans access healthy food through Double Up Food Bucks, Jazzmine's work is creating healthier communities across Iowa. We're grateful to have her on our team and proud to see her receive this well-deserved honor.

Join us in congratulating Jazzmine! 🥳

07/03/2026

The spring and summer has seen new participating sites join the Double Up Food Bucks program! SNAP users, take a look at our statewide map, bring home twice the fruits and veggies, and don't forget to double up with your SUN Bucks this summer as well!🥕🍓

Find a Double Up Food Bucks Iowa locations near you and start bringing home twice the fruits and vegetables.