Working on Wellness Environments
Working on Wellness Environments (WOW-E) is a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension multidisciplinary community development program

Want to improve your workplace food environment?  Try a healthy food policy! 

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By: Dr. Jenna Anding

Depending on your job, the workplace may be an oasis of unhealthy foods.  Whether it is the vending machine, potluck lunches, a celebration, or the random candy bowl sitting on someone’s desk, the workplace food environment can sometimes be a barrier for those who are trying to eat a little healthier.    

As the Working on Wellness Environment (WOW-E) program works to help communities improve access to healthy foods (and opportunities for physical activity), I’m going to challenge you in this blog to focus on one part of the community, the workplace, since many of us spend one-third of our day (or more) there and probably eat at least one meal (and maybe a snack or two) each day of the workweek. 

We recognize that not everyone is concerned about their food and beverage choices during the workday and that is okay.  However, a number of the chronic diseases that we face today are linked to our food choices.  For those employees who are trying to eat a little healthier, have you thought about implementing one or more food policies to ensure that healthy foods are available?  Don’t worry – we aren’t suggesting that you take away all of the unhealthy foods; instead, we are suggesting using policy to ensure that the food environment in your workplace has some healthy options available so individuals can meet their personal nutrition goals. 

Here are some examples of a healthy food policy for workplaces: 

  • For catered meals, adopt a policy that requires at least one healthy beverage option.  The easiest way to implement this is to offer water or unsweetened tea.  You can always offer sugar and non-nutritive sweeteners on the side and let employees choose. 
  • Consider adopting a policy that requires at least one or more healthy options in your vending machines.  Suggestions can include unsalted nuts, popcorn, and baked chips.  If you have an office refrigerator and provide complimentary snacks, think about low-fat yogurt or cheese sticks, or fresh fruit.  Apples and clementine oranges have a long shelf-life so you can minimize food waste.   
  • For office celebrations that involve food, whether it is catered to or potluck, create a food policy that guarantees that there will be at least one healthy option available.  This can be as easy as a fresh fruit salad, a healthy vegetable side dish, or even a tossed salad with dressing on the side.  Having some desserts?  No problem, just cut them in smaller portions. 

Offering options for healthy foods in the workplace shows that you support your coworkers and employees who are trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle.  If you aren’t convinced that a healthy food policy is worth trying, let me leave you with this to chew on:  a healthier workforce can lead to lower healthcare costs and increased productivity.  That is definitely something we can all support! 

Technician Spotlight: Farzana Ahmed

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By Leah Shafer 

When passion meets purpose, remarkable journeys unfold. For Farzana Ahmed, an urban planning technician, the path from architecture to community resilience has been both challenging and rewarding. As she prepares to begin her Ph.D. program  in spring 2025, her journey offers insights into the evolving landscape of urban planning and environmental management. 

Ahmed’s story begins in Bangladesh, where she completed her bachelor’s in architecture at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). While unexpected to some, the transition from architecture to urban planning represented a natural progression of her interest in how built environments shape communities. This led her to pursue an M.Sc. in Urban Planning at Texas A&M, which she completed in 2024. 

“Building relationships and understanding the broader impact of your work are essential in fields like planning and environmental management,” Ahmed said. “Technical skills are important, but engaging deeply with community stakeholders and focusing on projects that promote sustainable and equitable outcomes is crucial.” 

Since December 2022, Ahmed has been serving as a Program Aide with WOW-E at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services, contributing to various community health and wellness initiatives across South Texas.  

One standout project has been her work in Rio Grande City, where she spearheaded a walkability and wayfinding project. The success of this initiative wasn’t measured just in technical achievements but in how community feedback shaped the final design into something that truly served local needs. 

“I am particularly proud of the walkability and wayfinding project in Rio Grande City,” she said. “Leading efforts to design and plan active living infrastructure allowed me to incorporate community feedback into the design, resulting in outcomes that truly reflect local needs.” 

Alongside her WOW-E work, Ahmed has been actively involved with the Hazard Reduction and Recovery Center, working on U.S. Department of Energy-funded projects. These initiatives focus on addressing critical environmental challenges, particularly flood and air pollution impacts in Texas communities. A notable achievement has been her work on social vulnerability mapping using Participatory Geographic Information System (PGIS) in Southeast Texas. This project went beyond traditional mapping, empowering communities to identify and address their own vulnerabilities. 

Through these experiences, she’s developed crucial skills in spatial data analysis, participatory planning, and community engagement. Ahmed’s ability to bridge the gap between technical expertise and community needs earned her the Impact Award from Texas A&M’s LAUP department in 2024, recognizing her contributions to improving built environments and quality of life in Texas communities. 

“Working with WOW-E has taught me the importance of stakeholder engagement and collaborative planning,” Ahmed said. “This experience has enriched my ability to facilitate productive dialogues and implement community-driven solutions, especially when addressing complex issues like community wellness and urban park planning.” 

Her time with WOW-E has provided valuable insights into community wellness and urban park planning. Some of her most successful projects have emerged from facilitating productive dialogues and implementing truly community-driven solutions. 

As she prepares to begin her Ph.D., focusing on community-based development, environmental hazard management, and park & recreational space planning, Ahmed is building on a strong foundation of practical experience. Each project, community interaction, and challenge has reinforced her belief that creating resilient, sustainable communities requires both technical expertise and genuine community engagement. 

Her journey from architecture to urban planning, and now to environmental hazard management, might appear winding. However, it’s unified by a single thread: the commitment to creating better, more resilient communities for everyone. Ahmed’s story demonstrates that when academic expertise meets community engagement, the potential for positive change is limitless. 

Three Texas Parks & Wildlife Grant Applications Open

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Three Texas Parks & Wildlife Grant applications have just opened. The following information is from Texas Parks & Wildlife’s Recreation Grants E- Newsletter. To learn more or to sign up for the newsletter to get the information directly, click here.

“The Boating Access Grant Program provides funding for the phase I – Planning Grant – with a maximum of $250,000 for the cost associated with the planning of boating projects. All funding is based on the availability of funds at time of award. The reimbursement grants can be up to 75% of project cost. Eligible applicants include political subdivisions of the State of Texas legally responsible for providing public recreation services to their citizens. This includes cities, counties, river authorities, municipal utility districts, and other special districts.

Applications are submitted to TPWD as a phase I – Planning Grant and are to fund the professional services associated with the planning phase necessary to begin a construction project using federal funds. Eligible projects costs include plans/specifications, environmental/cultural permits, COE permits, and other professional fees associated with the planning of the proposed eligible construction project. Applicants who successfully complete the planning grant will be given priority for a future Construction Grant dependent on available funding.

All planning costs must be based on boating facility elements eligible for grant funding which may include motorized and non-motorized ramps and launches, courtesy docks, restrooms, parking areas, sidewalks directly from a parking area to a launch or dock, access roads, breakwaters, shoreline stabilization, fish cleaning stations, pavilions, and picnic sites. TPWD administers the Boating Access Program that is funded in Texas under the approval of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). This federally funded program receives its funding from a portion of the federal gasoline taxes generated when recreational boaters purchase gas for boats.

Application opened on November 1, 2024 with a deadline of February 3, 2025 at 5:00pm CST. Additional information can be found here.”

“The Target Range Program provides funding for the phase I – Planning Grant – with a maximum of $250,000 for the cost associated with the planning of the target range projects The reimbursable grants can be up to 90% of eligible project cost.

Applications are submitted to TPWD as a phase I – Planning Grant and are to fund the professional services associated with the planning phase necessary to begin a construction project using federal funds. Eligible projects costs include plans/specifications, environmental/cultural permits, and other professional fees associated with the planning of the proposed eligible construction project. Applicants who successfully complete the planning grant will be given priority for a future Construction Grant dependent on available funding.

All planning costs must be based on target range elements eligible for grant funding which may include indoor/outdoor public target and/or archery ranges, fencing, gates, equipment, restrooms, parking areas, and ADA accessibility features. TPWD administers the Target Range Program that is funded in Texas under the approval of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). This federally funded program receives its funding from a portion of the excise taxes generated with the purchase of specific hunting and shooting equipment.

Applications opened on November 1, 2024 with a deadline of February 3, 2025 at 5:00pm CST. Additional information can be found here.”

“The Recreational Trails Program provides funding for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail projects. The reimbursable grants can be up to 80% of project cost with a maximum award of $300,000 for non-motorized trail grants and a maximum award of $500,000 for motorized (off-highway vehicle) trail grants. Eligible projects include the construction of new recreational trails, improvement of existing trails, development of trailheads or trailside facilities, and to acquire trail corridors. TPWD administers the National Recreational Trails Fund in Texas. Texas receives federal funds for this program from the Federal Highway Administration from a portion of federal gas taxes paid on fuel used in non-highway recreational vehicles. Additional funds for this grant program are made available from the Texas Sporting Goods Sales Tax.

Applications opened on November 1, 2024 with a deadline of February 3, 2025 at 5:00pm CST. Be sure to check the Recreation Grants Online Resources page for the latest Recreational Trails Program Application Instructions, Program Guidance, and other resources. A new application element this year is a requirement for an Authorizing Resolution from the applicant’s governing body.“

Healthy Does Not Have to Mean Scary

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By: Dr. Jamie Rae Walker

Creating healthy environments that support healthy choices does not have to be scary! Let’s take this time to stroll through a few ways to get stated without getting frightened!

  • Start small! For example, let’s say you are not ready to pass a Community-wide Healthy Events policy. You could look at working on the organization or association level. That is your single organization could pass a healthy food meeting policy that indicates you will have at least one healthy choice at all meetings that have food. Or, a local restaurant association can start by getting members to elect to offer adults to purchase kids meals for the regular kid’s meal price so they are not charged for selecting to purchase a meal of smaller portions.
  • Similarly, if you are not ready to plan and build bike lanes, start with a walking or biking audit. Invite key decision makers and potential multi-sector partners. This is a great way to start a conversation about what is working in your community and what might need some work.
  • Build on existing activities!   For example, we have many farmers markets that offer healthy choices. A few of them have also started to partner with other local organizations to offer pop-up, play or StoryWalkTM. Or, to offer programed activities that encourage physical activity such as Zumba or Yoga. that also give people an opportunity to be introduced to or get access to physical activity.
  • Tie into existing plans or budget requests for related infrastructure. Is your community planning on restriping or repaving roads? Does your community have a long-term capital improvements schedule for when this work will occur? If yes, work with your planning team, local leadership, or local advocates to see if it is feasible to plan needed bike lanes, walking lanes, crosswalks, and traffic calming in accordance with the larger effort for repaving or restriping. If your community is already taking on a project of this magnitude and there is community support for these smaller needs, This can save time and money and is often a great time to coordinate efforts.
  • Was that too scary? Then start with Demonstrations. Demonstrations or pop ups are quick and temporary installations of parks, parklets, bike, lanes, walking and traffic calming materials, They can help leaders and planners gather feedback and see what does and does not work.
  • Pilot tests and walk and chalks are a similar concepts. Both of these approaches are a way to get engagement, identify potential partners, and start a visual conversation prior to making a long-term commitment. Oftentimes, people get excited when they can see proposed changes and try them out. This also allows land managers an opportunity to work out some the potential kinks,
  • Still a little scared? Consider starting via a technical assistance program. In addition to WOW-E, Safe Routes to School, the Center for Local Foods, Walk America, Kaboom, and many other organizations offer technical assistance. These allow local advocates and providers the opportunity to get education and expert assistance while working on plans and projects. These programs tie capacity building to project development. It is kind of like having a big brother or sister walk you around with you when you first start trick-or-treating!

Let’s not be afraid of creating healthy environments. Let’s work together to build capacity and find paths on which we are ready to follow to get started. Check out WOW-E’s Video page to see how small steps can lead to community change.

Apply for support to AgriLife’s Urban and Municipal Parks 2025 Workshops

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Texas A&M AgriLife’s Urban and Municipal Parks (UMP) is hosting workshops in Dallas and Corpus Christi to provide education opportunities which provide both education on the topic as well as time to design projects to be completed in your community or department. The workshops are designed to guide practitioners, volunteers, park or trail boards, friends groups, and community leaders: The FY 2025 WOW-E Technical Assistance Cycle allows WOW-E eligible communities to have multi-sector community partners apply for registration and travel support to attend UMP’s workshops.

Learn more about how to apply
See the Announcement Letter Here

CPTED for Parks

NEW DATE: January 29, 2025 in Dallas, Texas (3 hour morning workshop)

In this workshop, attendees will learn Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) basic principles, evaluate a site, learn how CPTED is integrated into park plans and policies, and devise related action steps.

Park Maintenance Planning Basics

NEW DATE: January 29, 2025 in Dallas, Texas (3 hour afternoon workshop)

This course is designed to motivate you to start or update maintenance and operations planning. The workshop reviews the value of maintenance plans, discusses key components of maintenance plans, helps you start to identify what is meaningful for your organization, and allows you time to brainstorm how to get started on maintenance planning in your organization.

Small Community Park Master Planning, Trail & Connectivity Planning, and Park Site Planning

NEW DATE: January 30, 2025 in Dallas, Texas (3 hour morning workshop)

OR

February 11, 2025 in Corpus Christi, Texas (3 hour morning workshop)

Learn how to compile or update Community’s Parks and Open Space or Trail & Connectivity Master Plans. The workshop reviews the common components of plans, , helps you start to identify what is meaningful for your organization, and allows you time to brainstorm how to get started on implementing a planning process for your community.

Grant Writing 101 for Parks, Trails, and Open Spaces

NEW DATE: January 30, 2025 in Dallas, Texas (3 hour afternoon workshop)

OR

February 11, 2025 in Corpus Christi, Texas (3 hour afternoon workshop)

Attendees will learn the basic concepts of grant writing including how to look for grants, best practices in writing grants, and key terms such as logic models, milestones, etc. Attendees will review grant opportunities and practice reviewing key sections and support materials required for grants.

Community Engagement

February 12, 2025 in Corpus Christi, Texas (3 hour morning workshop)

OR

February 19, 2025 in Dallas, Texas (3 hour morning workshop)

The introductory workshop aims to help practitioners, volunteers, and community leaders learn the basic principles of community engagement. During the session, instructors will highlight various types of processes. The session will also highlight the engagement continuum which develop higher level involvement with local partners and advocates.

Youth Engagement

February 12, 2025 in Corpus Christi, Texas (3 hour afternoon workshop)

OR

February 19, 2025 in Dallas, Texas (3 hour afternoon workshop)

This session covers the basics of working with youth and engaging them in park planning, upkeep, and development. Various youth programs will be highlighted. Attendees will have time to develop ideas to apply in their communities.

Asset-based Approaches to Community Development in Parks and Recreation Summit

February 24, 2025 in Dallas, Texas (Half day, morning summit)

Asset-based approaches helps leaders identify, build, and empower local communities based on their strengths and resources. This approach guides local advocates to focus less on the “needs” culture that has often lead to deficiency-laden planning processes, dependency on external resources, and feeling broken. The program helps leaders learn and identify processes to focus on identifying community resources and strengths, how it can work together, and what it can accomplish by working together via co-production. This program is designed for communities of all sizes with all levels of resources. This summit will provide a space for attendees to discuss issues and trends, share and deliberate ideas with peers and experts, and develop action plans for their local efforts.

Developing and Assessing Your Engagement Continuum in Parks and Recreation Summit

February 24, 2025 in Dallas, Texas (Half day, afternoon summit)

Modern day park systems are strengthened by their social systems. Engagement is more than just talking with and listening to people. It involves everything from communication to co-production. This summit reviews the literature and case studies on engagement, community systems, and co-production. Attendees will learn how to assess and develop their engagement continuum to support their park and recreation outreach, equity, and outcomes. This summit will provide a space for attendees to discuss issues and trends, share and deliberate ideas with peers and experts, and develop action plans for their local efforts.

Social & Behavioral Marketing

April 2, 2025 in Dallas, Texas (3 hour morning workshop)

Learn the fundamentals of social and behavioral marketing and how to have purpose with your messaging and communication. Social Marketing (SM) focuses on supporting the behavioral change of willing and interested individuals. The short-term goal is to impact a person though their daily habits while in the big picture, enhancing the long-term health of communities. The workshop will cover case study examples such as increasing park knowledge and use, gaining support for programs using native plantings, or getting people not to litter!

Wayfinding and Social Cognition Summit – More than signs helping you find your way!

April 2, 2025 in Dallas, Texas (3 hour afternoon workshop)

This session will cover the key concepts of wayfinding and nudge theory. Attendees will learn how people organize and understand their environments, how we use these concepts to connect people, both visually and physically, to parks and trails, and how to get started in applying these concepts in their communities.

Activating Environments

April 3, 2025 in Dallas, Texas (3 hour morning workshop)

This initiative provides practitioners and community leaders with an overview of successful programs and concepts to activate spaces. It reviews the basics of placemaking, pop up play, open streets, playability, and usability. The instructors will highlight key steps used to plan and implement a programs, as well as share highlights on how outcomes and impacts are measured.

Playability

April 3, 2025 in Dallas, Texas (3 hour afternoon workshop)

Review best practices and outcomes for Pop up Play, Painted Places, Open Streets, and Mobile Play programs. The workshop guides local groups through site or community evaluation techniques and related action planning steps to incorporate play into the daily fabric of their organization or community .

Learn more about how to apply