Check out Natchitoches Community Programs’ new website: readysetgonatchitoches.com. There’s a chance to win a free Fitbit and other prizes by signing up for a newsletter and completing a survey.

The link for the newsletter signup is http://readysetgonatchitoches.com/newsletter.

Ready, Set, Go is the City of Natchitoches’ initiative created to improve the health and wellness of residents through a three part plan. The initiative is funded through a Healthy Behaviors Program Grant from The Rapides Foundation.

“With the support of this wonderful community and great people in Natchitoches, we are changing life styles and eating habits of the young and old,” said Coordinator Valerie Balthazar.

READY seeks long term, sustainable solutions through the Mayor’s Health and Fitness Council.

SET provides healthy nutritional options to the community through the Natchitoches Farmers Market, the Mobile Market and the Community Garden.

GO provides fun physical activity opportunities to the community through the Portable Park.

The mission is to provide resources, programs and services that address and improve community health issues in Natchitoches.

“Being a single mother to a four year old can get expensive when it comes to grocery shopping the ‘healthy way,’ but Mobile Market makes it way easier,” said Natchitoches resident Jennifer Bayonne. “My daughter gets so excited when she can pick out her own fresh fruits and vegetables and loves to find new ways to cook them. I am very thankful for this program and its perfect for the community.”

Goals are to increase:

Access to Nutritious FoodsHealth Education and Awareness Recreational OpportunitiesVolunteer EngagementPartnerships and Collaboration

Want to help Natchitoches get healthy? Find out what volunteer opportunities are available. For more information contact Coordinator DeAndrea Sanders at (318) 214-7911 or dsanders@natchitochesla.gov.

“Most of the programs we offer are free and I encourage everyone to participate and get fit while doing so,” said Sanders.