b'Jaime Contois, Working Families living wages:Win New HampshireAll Americans should have the opportunityIt is a challenge for many to make choices that allow them to live aNew Hampshire families to long, healthy life, regardless of their incomefind living wage jobs. level. The reality is that in manyAccess to jobs that pay a communities in Cheshire County, familiesliving wage plays an working full-time in low-wage jobs oftenimportant role in the cant access affordable health care orhealth outcomes of our preventive services. These hard workingresidents. In general, the citizens are getting squeezed out of thelower one stands on the middle class in tough economic times andincome ladder, the poorer their health is suffering for it. In Cheshireones health will be. County, the estimated cost of living for aWorking Families Win NH family of four (two adults raising twoworks to make sure that children) is $53,285. According to figurespublic policy accurately from the Pennsylvania State Universityreflects the needs of low- Living Wage calculator, the minimumand middle-income people, hourly income necessary for this family ofso that all families have access to living wages jobs, quality and affordable four to meet basic needs would behealthcare, safe housing and a secure retirement. Jaime Contois, Keene$25.62/hour. With low-wage jobs fallingwell below this living wage, the incomelevels of many families make it not onlydifficult for them to pay their rent, but makeJean Lord, Cheshire Medical them extremely vulnerable to poor health.Center Dartmouth-Hitchcock KeeneHaving access to healthy local food is important to ouremployees. In the spring of 2010, a 7000 square foot gardenwas built and is tended to by over 30 employees. Some have We provide our employees with access to on-sitetheir very own plots, while others collaborate and garden blood pressure and cholesterol screenings totogether. Not only are employees filling their kitchens with support their health and help us design futurefresh food, the garden has proven to be a place where worksite wellness activities. Our employees are ouremployees get to know one another and friendships have family and we are committed to creating a healthybeen built. The garden has been a very successful component work environment for all. Doug Hamshaw,of our Employee Wellness program. Champion, Jean Lord, Hamshaw Lumber and the Cheshire Horse, KeeneEmployee Wellness Committee7'