|
HEALTHY AND ACTIVE BEFORE 5 COMMUNITY
Now it's time to put that plan into action and we need your help.
Join in the action plan to build a healthier Contra Costa.
Contra Costa County is home to some of the
richest and most fertile farmland in the state; producing corn,
peaches, cherries and tomatoes, among other produce that is
highly sought after worldwide and imported all over the country..
creating a startling paradox, by also having, 1/3 of the children ages 2 to 5
years (living in Contra Costa County) that are obese or overweight. Statistics
like this are not achieved by kids eating their fruits and veggies on a regular
basis. Part of the problem lies in the availability of fresh produce to be eaten
by these children and their families. Child hood obesity is tied to a whole host
of adult diseases that are turning up in children at alarming rates. Overweight
toddlers are 5 times more likely to be overweight, at age 12 leading to a strong
predictor of adult obesity and the associated problems of diabetes, hypertension,
and other lifelong problems.
Contra Costa Certified Farmers' Markets has been fostering healthy eating and assisting to provide venues to improve the local farm economy by getting produce closer to the plate and bucking this trend for 25 years and are still at it today. Bringing farmers' markets to our communities gets some of that produce in its proper place- on the table, in the schools and into hospitals that used to be reserved for processed, high fat food. Part of the solution is to focus on taste and nutrition education, along with a steady supply of fresh produce to take the place of high fat foods.
They say it takes a village to solve problems but this one.it is going to take the whole county. This movement starts with us, in our own community. Working with local hospitals, local Contra Costa County health service agencies and continuing to get fresh produce into West and Central county communities is of the utmost importance to Contra Costa Certified Farmers' Markets. Our goals include getting this fresh food into the mouths of children, their families and supporting the farmers' at the same time.
Supply and demand always wins out. By shopping your farmers' market and demanding
local fresh fruits and vegetables you are creating a life where fresh produce
has a place on the table, replacing the vending machines in hospitals and school
cafeterias, as the norm. Environment effects behavior producing a change. Look
at what has been accomplished with tobacco education in our county. How about
car seats? What about plastic bags? Lets work together to eliminate childhood
obesity, by making fresh, locally grown, healthy fruits and vegetables the norm
for meals and snacks. We are choosing to beat this health challenge in Contra
Costa County and choosing a lifetime of health for all families and children.
Resources:
Diane Dooly
Contra Costa County Health Department
925 370 5123
www.cchealth.org/topics/obesity
Marianne Balin
Kaiser Permanente Community Benefits
925 372 1268
www.kp.org
Leslie Mikkelson
Prevention Institute
510 444 7738
www.preventioninstitute.org
Sean Casey
First Five Contra Costa
925 335 9991
www.firstfivecc.org
Barbara Becnel
Neighborhood House North Richmond
510 235 9780
www.nhnr.org/wcheal
Fresh Plaza
www.freshplaza.com |
