On Saturday I had the opportunity to attend and film Mattapan Moving for Life, an an annual event to encourage healthy physical activity for residents of all ages. There was hula hooping and tai chi, zumba and double dutch, and free healthy food from Brookwood Community Farm and other vendors.Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition, the sponsoring organization, hopes that this and their many other programs will help change the daunting health statistics of this community; Mattapan has some of the highest rates of obesity and diabetes in Boston. The roots of this disparity lie in deep socioeconomic factors, from lack of access to healthy food to unsafe streets and playgounds (or sometimes just the perception of danger) to systemic racism.
The Coalition's vision is that "Mattapan will become known as one of the healthiest communities in Boston, with easy access to affordable and healthy food. Our streets will be clean, safe and walk-able. Our residents of all ages and abilities will take regular advantage of the abundant and inviting play spaces and recreational opportunities."
I was shooting the event with one of my favorite cameramen, Thomas Danielczik, as part of a two-year documentation project for the Boston Public Health Commission. Congratulations to Mattapan for a great community event!