New Bedford is one of 14 cities in Massachusetts that was awarded a Municipal Wellness and Leadership grant to work on prevention of chronic diseases related to obesity through increased physical activity and healthy eating. New Bedford Mass in Motion is currently focusing on Community Action Plan goals and objectives including support of built environment initiatives for healthier communities, i
ncreased walking and biking (check out our New Bedford Bicycle Committee website at www.nbbike.org)and Safe Routes to Schools; implementaton of the NB School Wellness Policies in New Bedford Public Schools, Healthy Dining NB (in collaboration with local restaurants, Southcoast Health System, the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, NB Economic Development Council,) healthy snack policies,community gardens, Farmers' Markets with the Office of Housing and Community Development and VOICES for a Healthy SouthCoast. Recent successes include adoption of a Board of Health Resolution for healthier communities through the built environment, citywide participation in the International and Statewide Walk to School Days, and collaboration with Fall River Mass in Motion, UMASS Dartmouth and SRPEDD to create a SouthCoast Regional Bikeway. In 2011, New Bedford was chosen as part of the CDC's Childhood Obesity Resarch Demonstration grant as one of 3 grants across the US, in collaboration with Mass.Dept of Public Health and Harvard School of Public Health to research childhood obesity in 2-12 year olds with a focus on physical activity, healthy eating, reduction of sugar-sweetened beverages, screen time and sleep needs in this target population. Sectors include schools, childcare/after school programs, the GNB Community Health Center and the community-at-large. See our New Bedford Mass in Motion, Healthy Dining New Bedford, and New Bedford Bicyle Committee pages and YouTube videos for more information and photos.
