Every month through Monthly Momentum, we’ll share what our team did through our four main programs Make It OK, Double Up Food Bucks, Produce Rx, and 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! the month prior to realize that mission!

The Healthiest State Initiative has announced the finalists for the 2025 Healthiest State Annual Awards presented by Wellabe. Workplaces, individuals, youth, schools, early care sites, and health care providers will be recognized for their efforts to improve the physical, social, and mental well-being of Iowans.

Some labels say “Organic,” while others boast “No Added Sugar,” “Natural,” “Made with Real Fruit” or “Simply.” But what do all these claims mean? If the label doesn’t say “Made with Real Fruit,” does that mean your applesauce is made with fake apples? Not necessarily. Buzzwords like these are everywhere on food packaging, but understanding them can help you make better choices. Here’s how to cut through the marketing jargon and become a more informed shopper:

Registration for the Healthiest State Conference presented by Wellabe is now open! HR professionals, wellness coordinators, and organizational leaders from across the state are invited to attend the conference on April 16th at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, IA. 

The 2025 Healthiest State Conference includes keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and interactive breaks led by local and national wellness experts that focus on workplace well-being trends, mental health, burnout, and physical well-being.

Helping kids learn and live 5-2-1-0 can be daunting, but it is important to start with small steps that can have a big impact. Montezuma P.E. teacher, Megan Carlson, shared the creative activities and initiatives she and her district have focused on with different age groups to ensure kids stay active, engaged, and mindful of their well-being

Iowa has seen concerning trends regarding the health of our citizens in the first half of the 2020’s. According to the United Health Foundation’s recently released America’s Health Rankings, our state ranks 16th out of 50. However, this ranking hides some alarming statistics about the well-being of Iowans. We need to act now. The future of Iowa’s health depends on it.

Volunteer Iowa announced the launch of the 11th annual Give Back Iowa Challenge, an eight-week challenge from April 1 - May 31, 2025, aimed at engaging Iowans in employer supported volunteering. Alliant Energy and the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative have returned this year as partners to support the challenge. Iowa employers are encouraged to pre-register by March 31st but can elect to participate at any time during the Challenge.

Every month through Monthly Momentum, we’ll share what our team did through our four main programs Make It OK, Double Up Food Bucks, Produce Rx, and 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! the month prior to realize that mission!

When it comes to heart health, many foods get an undeserved bad reputation. Many people hesitate to enjoy certain ingredients, fearing they might raise cholesterol or harm their cardiovascular health. From eggs to nuts, and even the suspected soy, let’s break down the fear and bring back the benefits.

Irving Elementary (Waterloo) Physical Education Teacher, Cory Arensdorf, is a 5-2-1-0 champion. He has an incredible passion for teaching children that began at a young age, and he has carried it through his time as an educator. Cory has won the Healthiest State Initiative’s K-12 School Award twice, been a finalist for the Individual category once, and his fresh approach to physical education is an inspiring way to teach kids about their body, and to build a stronger foundation for healthier choices in the future.

The report offers comprehensive insights into the organization’s community involvement, activities, and achievements throughout the year. Through statewide efforts, the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative has at least one of its programs or events operating in all of Iowa’s 99 counties.

The Iowa Healthiest State Initiative announced that its Double Up Food Bucks program has increased the daily match for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to $15, up from $10. The change takes effect immediately in all participating Double Up Food Bucks sites across Iowa.

The Healthiest State Initiative wants to recognize Iowa’s workplaces, schools, early care programs, health care providers, youth, and individuals for their efforts to support the physical, social, and mental well-being of Iowans through the 2025 Healthiest State Annual Awards presented by Wellabe. Applications are now open through 5:00 PM on January 29!

Every month through Monthly Momentum, we’ll share what our team did through our four main programs Make It OK, Double Up Food Bucks, Produce Rx, and 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! the month prior to realize that mission!

Shedding weight is tough, even with all the stars aligned—but add in a friends tips or internet advice, and it’s a whole new challenge. Lets debunk some of the most common weight loss myths and share tips to help you improve your well-being while fostering a healthy relationship with food.

Every month through Monthly Momentum, we’ll share what our team did through our four main programs Make It OK, Double Up Food Bucks, Produce Rx, and 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! the month prior to realize that mission!

Let’s dive into the basics of a gluten-free diet and five must-have gluten-free foods perfect for holiday entertaining.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 64% of individuals with mental health conditions report that the holidays worsen their symptoms. Did you know the foods you eat can have a big impact on your mood? Alongside prescribed medications and therapies, nutrition is vital in supporting mental health.

Every month through Monthly Momentum, we’ll share what our team did through our four main programs Make It OK, Double Up Food Bucks, Produce Rx, and 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! the month prior to realize that mission!

The Iowa Healthiest State Initiative’s Double Up Food Bucks Program has been awarded $4,820,792 as part of the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) grant, which aims to tackle food and nutrition insecurity in underserved communities, as well as support healthy diets by providing access to fruits and vegetables for eligible families.