By Kathy Yi, Healthy Communities Partnership Associate
A comprehensive alliance of public health advocates in Massachusetts launched a new campaign called “The Act FRESH Campaign” on February 7th to promote healthier neighborhoods and schools. This three-year policy change initiative aims to make local healthy food more available and affordable, to increase public space for physical activity, and to reduce obesity and chronic disease. Some strategies this campaign hopes to get approved include
· Enforcement of zoning that promotes walking and bicycle riding,
· Promotion of groceries with abundant supplies of fruits and vegetables in every neighborhood, and
· Schools with robust physical education classes and cafeterias serving nutritious meals.
While the state of Massachusetts considers extensive zoning reform, public health specialists will for the first time have a seat at the table to be a part of the decision making process. In addition, the campaign will be supported by Dr. Judy Ann Bigby, the top health official in Governor Deval Patrick's administration, as well as Dr. Howard Koh, a former Massachusetts public health commissioner who now serves as Assistant Secretary for Health in the Obama administration. With its strong foundation of support for change, the campaign brings hope in the prospect of healthier communities. We will be watching to see the success of this campaign, and for lessons it may have for our own state’s Healthy Communities Partnership.
To learn more about this project, click here.
