Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition

We're celebrating Shavel'le's 15 years with MFFC!! ???? On September 9, 2009 our executive director joined the Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition (MFFC) at the age of 17 through the Vigorous Youth program. Throughout her time within the organization, she has made major contributions. One of her major contributions includes her work on transportation advocacy (1) co-founding a major cycling event called Mattapan on Wheels, that brings together people for a day of bike riding through the community (2) co-founding a successful conversation series called Transportation talks which served as a catalyst for more intentional community engagement (3) building the capacity at MFFC so our organization remains involved in transportation advocacy related efforts such as Blue Hill Ave, Cummins Highway, advocating for bus stops along the Blue Hills from Mattapan (4) conducting a year long research to understand the perspective and attitudes Mattapan residents have when it comes to cycling and many other efforts. We want you to celebrate with us! For the rest of 2024 into 2025, we will have various small events and tokens of appreciation for our residents and partners. HAPPY 15 YEARS SHAVEL’LE! You can also celebrate Shavel'le's 15 years with MFFC by donating $15, $150, or $1,500 to help us continue our impact in Mattapan! Donate today! https://buff.ly/47JpKHE

Our Vigorous Youth member London now knows how to ride a bike! ?? Before our annual Mattapan on Wheels event, London said that she didn’t like biking, stating that, “I don’t like biking at the moment only because I don’t know how to. I’m sure when I learn, it will become a fun activity to do. I know once I get the hang of bike riding I will love it.” During Mattapan on Wheels she worked with other youth and bike leaders to hone her skills. We asked her again after the ride if she now likes biking, “YES!! After four amazing people taught me at Mattapan on Wheels, I just want to bike all the time. It’s so calm and refreshing. I used to be TERRIBLE at riding a bike, now I love it. And it’s such a common ground for meeting people.” Each person we get on a bike is a success! We’re working towards making Mattapan a healthy and thriving community through physical activity and access to green spaces. But we recognize that this change happens slowly and on an individual level. Spending time teaching London how to bike ride is a significant step in achieving this change. And she found something she now loves to do! Learn more about our mission and how you can get involved in the change we’re bringing to Mattapan. Https://https://lnkd.in/eTtX6wK4

MFFC founder, Vivien Morris, recently spoke at the BPHC Life Expectancy Press Conference. Vivien noted that Mattapan has faced several health challenges at higher rates than other Boston neighborhoods. This has led to the foundation of MFFC, but also nurmeous other grassroots organizations that are led by motivated residents. The dedication of each resident to realizing long-term equitable health solutions in Mattapan is inspiring. They have helped Mattapan: ?? Increase access to healthy foods ?? Establish community gardens ?? Run the MFFC farmers’ market ?? Create opportunities for active living But we understand that these changes come with the recognition of greater systems at play, including: ?? Racial discrimination ?? Low wages ?? Limited access to housing ?? Need for quality education Our partnerships with the surrounding community gives us the opportunity to make a deeper impact to enact the necessary long-term change. We invite you to join us in our mission. Head to our website to volunteer or reach out to [email protected] to partner with us! Https://mattapanfoodandfit.org

MFFC has big news to announce!! ?? ?? We've been selected by the National Youth Bike Council to host the 2025 Youth Bike Summit in Boston with Bikes not Bombs! Here's a little teaser... more to come

Thank you Atruis! We’re proud to announce that we’ve been awarded one of the first-ever Youth as Health Care Change Agents grants from Atrius Health Equity Foundation. This grant recognizes our efforts to expand youth-led community health solutions through our Vigorous Youth Program in #Mattapan, MA.

We're #hiring a new Blue Bikes Ambassador in Suffolk County, Massachusetts. Apply today or share this post with your network.

Thank you NCF for recognizing our mission to improve the health of Mattapan! We value our partnership with NCF and tremendously appreciate the continued support.

Our 14th annual Mattapan on Wheels (MoW) event is rapidly approaching this July 27th! ?? Each year, residents, families, and volunteers, from all across Greater Boston gather to ride their bikes and enjoy the green and blues spaces of Mattapan. We had over 70 participants and 30+ volunteers last year! Since its inception, Mattapan on Wheels has been a symbol of youth leadership and community pride. Organized by our Vigorous Youth program and founded by MFFC's Executive Director, Shavel'le Olivier, this event showcases the best of Mattapan. Let's get ready to ride, connect, and celebrate 14 years of community fitness! Discover the story behind Mattapan on Wheels and hear from Shavel'le about its lasting impact. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eYFtvF5v

We’re #hiring a Community Outreach Leader! In this position, you would work with our MFFC team to coordinate resident outreach to provide information and resources related to #Boston food assistance programs. All training is provided. If you are a good fit or know someone who is a good fit for this position, please reach out to [email protected]

The Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition has released our 2023 annual report! Join us in celebrating the impact that our team, volunteers, funders, community partners, and residents made in Mattapan. Some of our major achievements in 2023 include: ?? 3,400 residents served at the Mattapan Sq. farmers Market ??2 million walking steps accumulated by residents ??$4,500 raised throughout the Black Lives Green Spaces Campaign None of this would be possible without your endless support, thank you! Additionally, we made revisions to our mission statement and vision statement to better reflect our deep work with individuals and emphasis on individual empowerment. For the full report, see our website: https://lnkd.in/dvQT8_W7