Community Health

Pathway to Healthy Adulthood (PHA)

An integrated school-based fresh produce distribution program.

Objective

Educate and empower youth and their families to become stewards of their health by fostering a healthier school and community environment.

Upcoming Program Details

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

1 in 8 New York City households with children experience food insecurity.

These numbers are even higher for immigrant and migrant families, especially those who live in shelters. For many families, the school becomes a key hub to access resources that can support their children to lead healthier lives.

Through the PHA program, QARI partners with New York City elementary schools to brings fresh produce, nutrition education, and wraparound social services to students and their families. We especially work in school districts that have seen significant increases in need.

Where is the PHA program offered?

QARI's PHA program currently operates in 4 schools in Queens and 2 public schools in the Bronx.

We are expanding! If your school would like to discuss the possibility of hosting a PHA program, please get in touch.

When does the PHA program run?

The PHA program runs throughout the school year. We work with schools to identify the specific days and times that work best for their students and families.

PHA is currently not offered during the school summer vacation period.

What services are part of the PHA program?

Biweekly fresh produce distribution: A bag of fresh fruits and vegetables ready for families to pick up at the school.

Social Services Assistance: QARI coordinators will hold weekly onsite appointments, helping families to apply for SNAP/EBT and other essential social services.

Nutrition Education: QARI will work with schools to hold twice-yearly Healthy Living fairs to educate students and families about healthy eating and share local resources.

English Classes: QARI instructors will provide weekly ESOL classes to help school parents to build their conversational English skills.

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