Opportunities and challenges in creating a successful Food and Fitness Policy Council to promote a healthy food and fitness environment

The creation of a healthy food and fitness environment has emerged as an important strategy for preventing obesity and chronic disease, particularly for low-income populations. Food policy councils are increasingly being used to help facilitate creation of a healthier environment.

Though Cambridge has incorporated many aspects of a healthy environment, there has not been a comprehensive policy and planning approach with an eye towards health. The Cambridge Public Health Department recommended in July of 2008 that the city assess the benefits and feasibility of a food policy council.

Convened in the fall of 2009, a task force of city staff and other stakeholders used Center for Disease Control and Institute of Medicine matrices to assess the local food and fitness environment. Though the initial focus was on food, the task force recommended the inclusion of fitness because it is an integral part of healthy weight promotion. On the basis of the task force recommendations, a Food and Fitness Policy Council was established. Through a consensus building process the council developed goals and objectives, and is currently developing priorities and making action recommendations.

The presentation will include resulting new initiatives, coalition building process evaluation, and outcomes of collaboration. This session will provide perspective on opportunities and challenges in the creation of a successful Food and Fitness Policy Council.