Local Actions to Reduce Obesity

Leadership Academy of Santa Clara County 2013

Outline

Assignment

Why?

Methodology

Goals & Challenges

Recommended Pilot Programs &

Implementation

Conclusion

Assignment

Identify what leading local agencies are doing to address diet and nutrition

Develop program templates that local agencies in the Silicon Valley could use to address the problem

Present a report: best practices, existing programs, action plans and resource information

Why?

Childhood obesity is a significant problem facing the country.

Children ages 6-11 considered obese Increased from 7 to 18 percent in the last 30 years

$12.8 billion annual health care costs attributed to obesity in California alone

Methodology

Research childhood obesity programs and initiatives nationwide

Contact program managers for more information on viable programs

Use information from Morgan Hill to identify the best pilot programs for their community and agency

Goals

Curb and reduce childhood obesity by targeting poor nutrition and diet

Outreach and educate as many children as possible in the community

Engage families to make long term changes and reinforce healthy living in their children

Challenges

Narrowing the scope Children ages 6-11 Programs available to all demographics but especially

those with higher probability of obesity Coordinates with community stakeholders

Limited local government action to dateLimited measurability of results Limited resources

Recommended Pilot Programs

Healthy Kids Today- Prevent Cancer Tomorrow

Educational Community Garden

Social Media and Educational Components

Healthy Kids Today- Prevents Cancer Tomorrow

American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) created this program to teach children how to choose the healthiest foods and move toward a lifetime of good health

Program Information

Utilize educational activities to reach the local community

Distribute the six educational toolkits by partnering with Morgan Hill school districts, YMCA and faith based organizations

Curriculum can be distributed by email or Morgan Hill staff can provide materials to local partners at a minimal cost

Pledge Example

Implementation

Conduct a city-wide outreach program to local community Provide copies of toolkit program at multiple

locations Social media and printed posters at schools,

Recreation Center, grocery stores and other populated areas

Provide staff support to schools Other considerations

Support to Community Gardens Integration at City events

Community Gardens – Model Pilot Program

Establish a community garden dedicated to education

Engage the community and provide healthy food options

Integrate education program with hands-on experience

Sustainable Community Gardens – 501(C)(3) non-profit established 2 gardens

Charles Street Gardens Full Circle Farm

Partnered with Santa Clara Unified

Program Information

Educate, engage both kids & parents about the relationship between food and healthy living

Provide multiple avenues of access to local & healthy foods

Facilitate garden projects to integrate into a community and create a model for others

Implementation

Establish a community garden at a local park, school, church or other public area

Provide hands-on education with partnerships with schools and after-school programs

Campaign Outreach

Create and sustain social media opportunities for discussions on childhood obesity

Participate in community coalitions or partnerships to address obesity (via public meetings, media coverage, CREATV, city and school websites, radio stations)

Example of Media Outreach

Examples of Interactive Healthy Kid Games

Pilot Program Partnerships

City of Morgan Hill/Parks & Rec Dept.Community Garden Participants

Morgan Hill Community Garden Sustainable Community Garden

Morgan Hill Unified School DistrictYMCAFaith-based organizationsThe Community

Conclusion

Healthy Kids Today- Prevent Cancer Tomorrow

Educational Community Garden

Social Media and Educational Components

Questions?