A Coordinated Community Approach to Childhood Obesity Prevention in Steps to a HealthierNY County

Childhood obesity is a complex public health problem that can only be addressed through a coordinated community approach. Working on multiple levels of the socio-ecological model, the Steps to a HealthierNY (Steps) program in Rockland County works with families, schools, businesses and community organizations to create policies and environments that make it easier for children and families to make choices that will lead to or maintain a healthy weight. Over the past three years of this multi-pronged collaboration, Steps has partnered with local grocers, restaurants, schools, and hospitals to pool resources and prolong investment of funds. During this time: 51 teenagers have lost over 200 pounds through a free 12-week body image program; 80% of public elementary and secondary schools in the county have completed the School Health Index resulting in nearly 200 changes in school practices that support healthy eating, exercise and health education for school children; 109 teachers from 34 school buildings representing all 9 school districts in Rockland County have been trained to use physical activity in their lesson plans through the Learning in Motion course; 75 restaurants in the county now label their healthiest items through the Just Ask Us! Restaurant program; and 65 small neighborhood stores now stock healthy items such as fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy and whole wheat bread. This presentation will describe the unique benefits and challenges of addressing childhood obesity at the community level and will stress the importance of strong partnerships and community involvement in each stage of the process.