SUMMARY OF CONCLUSIONS
Accompanied by supporting examples from highlighted programs
In seven cities across the country, ACFN found innovative, creative grassroots
programs that are working to help the people of those communities adopt and
maintain healthier lifestyles.
Some of these programs were the result of a local health expert identifying a need, or of neighbors and friends volunteering their time and effort to make a difference. Others were the result of an individual in a large workplace inspiring his or her co-workers to adopt health and wellness as a personal goal. Some had abundant resources, but those who didn’t made up for it through leveraging the resources of strategic partners. Yet others were the clear products of local, state and federal government efforts to inspire and fund community initiatives to get people eating right and moving to build a stronger, healthier workforce and community.
A brief description of each participating program is listed by city in Appendix A at the end of this document.
Program Commonalities
While ACFN’s interaction with local programs as part of the TRIUMPH series
was by no means a scientific study, ACFN observed some valuable common characteristics
among many of the programs. Whether it was the unique way in which they serve
at-risk populations, make lessons about healthy living more exciting for children
or illustrate the power of government to be a catalyst for sustainable solutions,
these commonalities appeared to ACFN to be the source of the programs’ participation
and success. And they appeared to be the right platform for cultivating long-term
positive change in communities nationwide.
The following pages are the commonalities ACFN found.
- Cultural relevance is the great frontier amid at-risk populations.
- When it comes to children, making it fun makes all the difference.
- Government focus creates a positive environment for change.
- A champion for the cause really can make a difference.
- While the focus increasingly is on children, people of all ages are being served.
- The workplace is a great place to lay groundwork for behavior change.