We believe that people of all ages should have the opportunity to be healthy members of our community.

Health is strongly linked to education and income: good health allows children to learn better, adults to increase their income through productive work, and older adults to avoid costly acute care incidents and unnecessary institutionalization.  Conversely, health problems often lead to increased school absences (a predictor of dropping out of high school) among children, as well as increased on-the-job absences by adults.  We know that good health depends on having both physical and mental well-being.  

Health Goals

• Increase access to good nutrition and nutrition information for children and youth and their families.

• Increase the availability of food to meet the needs of those who are food insecure.

• Support acces to mental health services for children and youth.

• Support access to informaiton about what social services are available.  

RESULTS

As a result of support from Neighbor-to-Neighbor Lifeline, more than 200,000 meals were served at soup kitchens and shelters last year.  

United Way supports the New Haven Food Truck, which delivers free meals to New Haven children and youth during the summer months when school is not in session.  In 2011, the Truck delivered more than 17,000 meals.  Read more . . 

Data show that 74% of children in our region who received mental health services showed a decrease in problem behaviors, and 68% improved through school performance.

There were 57,728 calls to 2-1-1 for assistance from individuals in our region last year.  The top three inquiries were for housing/shelter; utilities/heat; and public assistance programs.  

For more information on our efforts to provide healthy meals to youths, visit the New Haven Food Truck page.