MPHA Presents Award to Worcester Environmentalist
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Steven Fischer (Far Right) receives award for work promoting environmental health and food justice.
The Massachusetts Public Health Association (MPHA) has presented the “Alfred Frechette Award” to Steven D. Fischer, Executive Director of the Regional Environmental Council (REC) of Central Massachusetts, citing his outstanding leadership in promoting environmental health and food justice through innovative programs and partnerships.
In presenting the award, MPHA cited Mr. Fischer’s work to address food insecurity with a holistic approach rooted in strong community partnerships and grassroots participation.
“Under Steve’s leadership, REC is truly transforming the food and economic landscape in Worcester,” said MPHA Executive Director Toby Fisher. “Steve’s work is essential to the progress made to improve public health in Worcester and is a model for similar efforts across the state.”
The REC's Unique Programs
REC’s Food Justice Program has successfully improved access to healthy and affordable food in Worcester’s most food insecure neighborhoods by supporting a network of 59 community and school gardens that are tended by 400 volunteers, a year-round youth development and employment program for 32 low-income teens, 2 weekly farmers’ markets, and regular cooking classes and demonstrations for low-income families. REC also operates the “Veggie Mobile,” a mobile farmers’ market that makes 14 weekly stops around the city to bring fresh, affordable produce to hundreds of low-income residents.
“Public health is about improving the conditions in which people live, work, learn, and play,” said Steve Fischer. “With incredible staff and partners plus great collaboration with community residents, REC has been able to accomplish more than we ever imagined. This award is a wonderful recognition of all the hard work the community has done, and we are all more committed than ever to carry our work forward in the years ahead.”
Fischer was given the award during the MPHA's 11th annual Awards Breakfast on June 7th. Other honorees included: Andrew Balder of the Baystate Medical Center and Senior Medical Director of the Boston Medical Center HealthNet Plan, who received the Public Health Leadership in Medicine Award; Barbara Ferrer, Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission, who received the Paul Revere Award; and Lisa Renee, Executive Director of the MA Association of Community Health Workers, who received the Lemuel Shattuck Award.
For more information on the Massachusetts Public Health Association please click here. For more information on the REC please visit the Regional Environmental Council website.
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