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 date Limited 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 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 District YMCA Faith-based organizations The Community

Conclusion Healthy Kids Today- Prevent Cancer Tomorrow Educational Community Garden Social Media and Educational Components

Questions?