Mayor at White House forum to explain healthy Somerville
We are transforming our built environment, for the long term, he said, pointing to sidewalk repair, public transportation initiatives, and planned renovations of parks and playgrounds.
In schools, Curtatone touted the increase in nutrition and health-based curriculum as well as the district’s commitment to incorporating physical activity into the school day. Gardens at seven elementary schools bring freshly grown produce into the cafeteria, and teach students to appreciate healthy options, he said.
Outside the classroom, nutritious eating has been made more accessible through farmers markets and partnerships with local restaurants, Curtatone said. Shape up approved menu items are featured at local eateries and the city has launched a growing number of community supported agriculture drop-off sites where residents can purchase shares of nearby farmers’ crops.
Speaking to an audience of White House officials and health care leaders, Curtatone emphasized the importance of developing communitywide programs that engage all residents, regardless of age or background.
It takes the leadership and support of an entire community to create an environment that supports childrens health from the time they leave their homes to go to school in the morning until the time they return home in the evening, he said.
Created as an experiment in response to increases in obesity among school children, Shape up Somerville is at the crux of Obama’s push to help communities make environmental changes that will enable residents to lead healthier lives.
At a meeting of the US Conference of Mayors last month, Obama identified the project as a national leader in the campaign against childhood obesity, citing local best practices to be used in a national model.
You represent all of what we can do together, she said to Curtatone and Hernando, miss., Mayor Chip Johnson on Tuesday. Clearly we’re determined to finally take on one of the most serious threats to [our children's] future.
The Let’s move initiative seeks to eliminate childhood obesity within seven years by bringing healthy options to communities through school programs, partnerships with physicians, funding for grocery stores and national physical fitness challenges endorsed by the president. The program will receive $400 million per year to bring healthy food to locations identified as food deserts due to a lack of healthy options in local food marts.
According to Obama, one third of all American children are currently obese or dangerously overweight, a staggering figure compared to numbers from just a decade ago, she said. The United States spends $150 billion every year to treat obesity-related illnesses.
This is a pretty serious effort, one that I’m pretty proud of, said Obama. I’m proud of everyone that’s involved in it.
Michelle Obama speaks about the Let’s move campaign.
Mayor at White House forum to explain healthy Somerville