CITY OF LITTLE ROCK WINS GRANT AWARDS
TO SUPPORT CHILDHOOD OBESITY PREVENTION INITIATIVES

 
The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) announced the winners of the 2014 Childhood Obesity Prevention Awards, during its 82nd Winter Meeting held in Washington, D.C. The awards went to cities with outstanding programs that encourage healthy weight through balanced diet choices and regular physical activity.

The Second Place Winner of a $25,000grant was presented to Mayor Mark Stodola of Little Rock, Arkansas’s, for The “Love Your School” (“LYS”) Childhood Obesity Intervention and Prevention Initiative.
The “Love Your School” (“LYS”) Childhood Obesity Intervention and Prevention Initiative addresses the drivers of childhood obesity through evidence-based programs delivered to seven high-poverty elementary schools in the Little Rock School District. 

In addition to education and training for students and teachers alike, key program components include the creation of more than 300 raised bed gardens; cooking courses conducted in school for SNAP-eligible parents of partner-school students; student-led weekend Farmer’s Markets located at 7 Partner School Campuses;  improvement of walking trails, play spaces and recreational facilities throughout the city; and PSA campaigns that support healthy food choices and breastfeeding by new mothers, among other activities.  Grant funds will support the student farmers markets and other activities. 

“I am committed to fostering a city culture in which civic engagement and volunteerism is in our DNA. This grant will help us leverage the power of our citizens to strategically and measurably address childhood obesity and its causes in Little Rock.” Mayor Mark Stodola