The Hamilton County Public Health Department awarded Fredrika Richardson, Mt. Healthy City School District Food Service Director, the WeTHRIVE! Champion Award for Leadership and Initiative at the annual meeting. Held at the Sharonville Convention Center, the event honored and celebrated those who make a difference in their community through “outstanding leadership; demonstrating a significant commitment to advancing health and safety initiatives; leading by example in contributing to the overall health, safety, and vitality; taking initiative to make improvements; and shares resources and collaborates with others.”of the WeTHRIVE organization, Fredrika began and continues to lead Mt. Healthy CSD’s Wellness Committee in addition to her position as Director of Food Service for the district.
Mt. Healthy City School District is a partner member of the WeTHRIVE! initiative, The aim of WeTHRIVE! is to create environments that support and encourage a healthy and safe place to learn, work, and play.
Karen O’Connell nominated Fredrika stating that “she has improved the quality of life in our ‘school community’ through her efforts as both District Wellness Committee Chairperson and Food Service Director.” Karen also added, “in the spring of 2019, Fredrika led efforts to add a “wellness” component to the district’s traditional Art & Education Fair. Planning for the Art, Wellness & Education Fair (AWE) took place throughout the year and resulted in over 200 visitors interacting with 18 community agencies who provided meaningful referrals to community-based supports.”
Additionally, Fredrika and her team are planning for the 2020 AWE Fair. They are collaborating with Green Umbrella to bring the “Farm to School” initiative to Mt. Healthy City School District The Food Service Department implemented a self-serve vegetable and fruit bar in the elementary schools earlier this school year that appears to be a hit with students. They developed a partnership with Ohio State University Extension Program to establish a school-based garden, as well as with the U.C. Center for Community Engagement to host a U.C. Medical Sciences student-volunteer who is focused on reducing food insecurity in our school community. This year, the Wellness Committee is expanding its focus to include staff wellness.
Superintendent Dr. Reva Cosby congratulated Fredrika on her accomplished award by stating, “we are lucky to have a champion for our students and our staff in Fredrika. She and her team focus on helping students make positive choices regarding food and general wellness.” 2