LEARN
Learn more about the East Boston neighborhood, why the EBHFC was formed, and what some of the biggest barriers are to improving health and wellness throughout our community.
EAST BOSTON
East Boston is a vibrant and culturally rich neighborhood, shaped by generations of immigrants since the early 1900s. The community is home to a diverse population, with a significant representation of Hispanic/Latino residents, alongside other groups of Asian, Italian, Irish, and Arabic heritage. This cultural richness is a cornerstone of the neighborhood's identity.​
Residents face a variety of interconnected challenges that affect their quality of life. Rising living costs, limited access to affordable groceries, and gentrification put a financial strain on families, often requiring parents to work long hours or multiple jobs. Which impacts quality family time and self-care, such as exercise and healthy eating. As a result, poor nutrition and less physical activity increases the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, language barriers, transportation issues, and uneven distribution of information make it harder for newly arrived or less-connected families to access essential resources and support.
​Chronic and Lifestyle Diseases (CLD) refer to health conditions influenced by long-term habits, environmental factors, and access to resources, such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. These conditions are commonly impacted by diet, physical activity, and other social determinants of health.
These health issues can be exacerbated by limited access to affordable healthy food and physical activity, also by stress and cortisol caused by daily life challenges, like financial hardships due high living costs, extensive work hours, among others, making it harder for residents to adopt healthier lifestyles. Consequently, chronic diseases are more prevalent, affecting all: adults, children and seniors.
chronic and lifestyle diseases
Building Community Wellness: Insights, Challenges, and Shared Solutions
The East Boston Healthy Families Collaborative (EBHFC), in partnership with Tufts University and Boston College, engaged community members to understand the factors driving childhood obesity and wellness in East Boston. Through focus groups and group model building, the team highlighted critical challenges such as food insecurity, limited physical activity opportunities, and increasing household expenses, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. These insights emphasized the need for accessible, up-to-date information on programs and resources, leading to the creation of this website and shared community calendar.
