County Childhood Obesity Initiative Marks 20 Years

SAN DIEGO, CA — The county Childhood Obesity Initiative turned 20 years old Tuesday, marking two decades ``of community-led work to help children and families live healthier lives," organizers said.

Officials said in a statement that roughly one in three children in San Diego is overweight or obese, "a reminder of why the initiative's work remains critical."

The county said the program has conducted 59 community events and 11 community outreach sessions on topics ranging from breastfeeding-friendly environments to park and walk audits.

The program "also leveraged more than $7.8 million in funding to support community-designed projects, leadership development and nutritional efforts such as fruit-and-vegetable incentive programs," according to the county.

The Initiative was created in 2006 as a public-private partnership, and now has over 400 local partners such the University of California San Diego and the YMCA of San Diego County, officials said.

``Strong relationships and community leadership have driven COI's success," the county added. ``These partnerships have reinforced local obesity prevention efforts and expanded access to nutritious food, safe places to play and culturally responsive community programs."

Leader said future goals include growing partnerships, expanding prevention work and ``making community voices the center of decisions that will help children and families thrive."

More information on the initiative is available at sdcoi.org/.

— City News Service