Miami Children’s Initiative’s (MCI) “cradle-to-career” strategy in Liberty City, based on the nationally recognized Harlem Children’s Zone model, is intentionally investing in youth and their families within 29 blocks of Miami referred to as the “MCI Impact Zone”. MCI organizes, manages, and sustains a transformational change effort in Liberty City by providing and connecting youth and families with an intensive and cohesive health, education, and social services network, and empowering them to become the tools of their own family and neighborhood transformation. Their ultimate success will be ending generational poverty for Liberty City’s children and their families.

40% of our children in Liberty City are not at a healthy weight. Health risk behaviors linked to obesity, such as physical inactivity and poor dietary habits, are associated with poor grades and test scores, and lower educational attainment. Along with this, there are a multitude of health implications for children and adults who are overweight or obese. To promote the health and success of our children and families, MCI is launching a comprehensive Health and Wellness Program. The Miami Children's initiative Fresh Food Co-Op, one aspect of the Health and Wellness Program, is designed to increase access to healthy, affordable food options, which are typically very limited in Liberty City. Such access is associated with better dietary habits and a decreased risk for obesity and diet-related diseases. The last Friday of every month, MCI distributes shares of fresh fruits and vegetables, valued at $40-$60, to residents for $5. The success of our children and families is the driving force behind all the work MCI does, and promoting a healthy Liberty City is an integral component for their prosperity.

UM Fresh Table is a 4 week drive to raise 200lbs of fresh produce for the Miami Children’s Initiative Fresh Food Co-Op! Donations are accepted October 3rd-28th. To donate, just click the green donate button, add healthy produce items to your cart that you would like to donate, then click the green edit/checkout button to review the items in your cart and purchase. You will receive a tax receipt via email for your donation and a personal thank you email for your donation, too. Thank you for your support and donation! Let’s help increase fresh food at the table!