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INTRODUCTION

The American Council for Fitness and Nutrition (ACFN) undertook a series of events in 2005 called Trends, Resources and Information for Understanding and Maintaining Physical Health ( TRIUMPH) to discover what’s really working in communities across the country in the promotion of health and wellness, and to celebrate the successes of those who are making a difference.

ACFN organized and hosted forums in Little Rock, Austin, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Chicago, Alburquerque and Oklahoma City. These events gave more than 550 local community leaders and health and wellness experts the opportunity to share their experiences and successes.

Indeed, leaders in communities across the nation are demonstrating commitment and creativity in helping Americans adopt and maintain healthier lifestyles, and the initiatives they are leading are generating both enthusiasm and success.

This report takes an inside look at commonalities that emerged among the best programs we encountered, traits that ACFN believes embody the kinds of sustainable solutions that contribute to a long-term healthier America. Those common traits are discussed in detail in the following pages. They include:

  1. In programs serving at-risk populations, cultural relevance matters.
  2. When it comes to programs serving children, making it fun makes all the difference.
  3. A strong focus by government creates a positive environment for change.
  4. In advocating for health and wellness across an entire community, a champion for the cause can make all the difference.
  5. While the focus is increasingly on children, programs exist serving all ages.
  6. The workplace is a great place to lay the groundwork for behavior change.

ACFN believes all sectors must be involved in creating a healthier America, including our funders — the food and beverage industry — along with other private employers, government, nonprofits and charitable organizations, schools and families themselves. The grassroots programs discussed in these pages illustrate what can happen in a community when all stakeholders work together toward sustainable change.

My hope is that this document provides those committed to a healthier America — and the leaders of countless grassroots programs nationwide working toward that goal — with a glimpse into what is taking place in just a few communities, so that all may learn from them while celebrating their progress.

With warmest regards,

Susan Finn, Ph.D., R.D., L.D., F.A.D.A.
Chair

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