In this episode, Tinu speaks with Gabrielle Cole - the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Fit and Food Connection – an organization focused on offering people living in food and fitness deserts access to free nutritious food and physical activities while encouraging and supporting healthy living. Gabrielle will elaborate on why underserved communities have less access to fitness and fitness education, the impact of community engagement, and tips for how to promote a healthy, active lifestyle in families.

“There are a variety of programs in our underserved communities. However, they’re at capacity or there's a disconnect between the community being served and the program leaders, the local officials or the executive directors or the investors... In our communities that suffer the most, there is a disconnect with the community engagement, what the community needs.” - Gabi Cole 

• 01:47 Gabi’s three aspects of herself that relate to her work as a disability and diversity advocate
• 03:19 Accessibility to fitness in low-income areas
• 07:02 The impact of quality and affordability on fitness access
• 11:49 The impact of stress on health and how to reduce stress 
• 17:43 Improving body image
• 20:20 Maintaining fitness with a chronic illness
• 25:50 How to help your community and advocate 
• 29:52 Gabi’s hope for the future of healthcare 

1. Some of the issues around lack of physical exercise in low-income communities are a social issue that stems from affordability and quality programming. For effective physical activity to be implemented there needs to be space for all its participants, enough staff, and facilities that are usable. 
2. Physical exercise is just one of the many components to living a healthy lifestyle. Being well rested, promoting positive mental health, and eating nutritious meals also are necessary to maintain your health.  
3. Our bodies and the conditions our bodies face change daily. Maintaining physical fitness is a lifetime process that will change and shift over time. 

1. If you are trying to incorporate fitness into your lifestyle, start with small and attainable goals that work for your lifestyle and schedule. For example, I carry weights with me back and forth to the restroom. 
2. If you are considering bringing fitness programs to underserved communities consider the cultural needs of the residents before implementing fitness programs. Getting the perspectives of what future participants want is key to engagement.  
3. If you are a parent promoting a healthy lifestyle for your kids through physically moving together and showing them the value of fitness will allow your children to learn from an early age. 
4. If doing physical exercise alone feels difficult for you, try getting in walking, running, or training group together. Holding one another accountable can promote more effective change. 

Gabi was born and raised in North St. Louis City, Missouri. She moved to Chicago after high school to study Political Science and Sociology at DePaul University. She later returned and obtained a Master of Science in Non-Profit Management from Fontbonne University. She is currently a Nonprofit Executive, consultant and Adjunct Professor. 

Her passion for human services and overall wellness drove her to research and develop a local wellness nonprofit program established in 2012 for underserved families in the St. Louis area. Because of this, she has exceptional leadership experience with racial equity and anti-racism work, creating and leading successful programs, direct practice with vulnerable families, public relations, organizational planning. Her honesty as a community health leader, great educator, and professional work has humbled her viewpoint in working with at-risk communities. 

She believes that social and community organizations should be mission-driven and stay true to their values. Gabi is a member of the American Public Health Association and has been recognized for several outstanding leadership and fundraising awards. Gabi is married with two children and resides in North Saint Louis City. 

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