20 AUGUST 2024 By Rachael Bouley A blue zone is a region where people claim to have exceptionally long lives due to a lifestyle combining physical activity, low stress, rich social interactions and a local whole-foods diet. Inspired by that notion, The Blue Zones Project in Scottsdale leverages secrets to a longer lifespan and higher quality of life from some of the healthiest and happiest countries in the world. Schools, grocery stores, restaurants and offices work alongside the Blue Zones Project to get accepted – and congratulations are in order for Echo Canyon, the first Blue Zones-approved school in Arizona. “We are excited to participate in this initiative to create a healthier community. For years, Echo Canyon has been known for the gardens and our Chef in the Garden program,” Principal Kat Hughes said. “These efforts provided the cornerstone for our application process and allowed us to highlight the great things that happen in our school.” The approval process started in December, with teachers and staff working quickly to collect the necessary evidence of actions aligned with the Blue Zone pledge. Schools can use many resources and educational activities to demonstrate a commitment to healthy choices. At Echo Canyon, this includes the expansive school garden that boasts fruits, vegetables and native plants, plus a National Wildlife Federation-certified habitat for Sonoran Desert tortoises and a Certified Waystation for Monarch Butterflies. The school offers recess before students eat lunch, and all food and beverages sold in the cafeteria meet USDA Smart Snack Guidelines. A daily fruit and veggie bar is part of the school lunch program, and café posters encourage students to make healthy choices. Echo Canyon celebrated its Blue Zones approval at the end of the 2023-2024 year, with plans to launch new initiatives as soon as school starts in the fall. “One of our biggest efforts will be a new student leadership group, the Culinary Cultivators, who will provide student leadership during Chef in the Garden activities, garden tours and more,” Hughes added. They also plan to increase the wellness committee to include parent representatives who will advise the school and garden committee on actions they can take to support the Blue Zones pledge. Staff are dedicated to teaching students about fresh food and gardening. “It is an honor to be recognized because it reinforces our efforts of providing students with experiences that help them make healthy food choices, have a sense of belonging, and move their bodies,” Hughes said. “Healthy people live happier lives, and exercise, fruits, and vegetables are essential to a healthy lifestyle. By incorporating the gardens into our instructional practices, we can embed hands-on, lifelong learning for our students.” Danielle Anderson, Blue Zones Project Organization & Well-Being Lead, encourages others in Scottsdale to participate and apply. “Approval means an organization has implemented a variety of evidence-based best practices within their environment to improve the health and well-being of those in it,” Anderson said. “These changes make it so the healthy choice becomes the easy choice in all of the places where people live, work, learn and play.” By offering food literacy and gardening opportunities to all grade levels and integrating nutrition education and physical activity into daily plans outside of classes, Echo Canyon is setting students up for healthy and fulfilling lives. “These environments naturally nudge people toward healthier choices,” Anderson added. “Blue Zones Project® communities have populations with greater well-being, improved health outcomes, reduced costs, and increased civic pride, all of which support healthy economic development.” bluezonesprojectscottsdale.com Echo Canyon named first Blue Zones-approved school Administrators and students celebrated the approval at the end of the school year. PHOTO COURTESY OF KAT HUGHES