SARASOTA COUNTY – For the fourth consecutive year, Sarasota County has been recognized by the Florida Department of Health as a Healthy Weight Community Champion. Sarasota County was one of 98 communities throughout the state to achieve this distinction this year.
A formal presentation of the 2017 Healthy Weight Community Champion Award will be led by Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County Health Officer Chuck Henry along with leaders from several Sarasota County departments at the next county commission meeting, 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Sarasota County Administration Center, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota.
“I congratulate Sarasota County for being recognized as a Healthy Weight Community Champion for the fourth consecutive year,” Henry said. “Local governments help to shape our communities through policies and an environment which promotes healthy living. Sarasota County has dedicated 55,000 acres to parks, natural trails and reserves contributing to a well-connected system of sidewalks, bike paths and trails for area residents and visitors to enjoy. I also want to recognize the county for investing in programs reinforcing good nutrition through community gardens, farmers markets and mobile vendors providing fresh produce.”
A list of all the 80 Champion Communities and best practices is at HealthiestWeightFlorida.com/recognition.
County and local governments were invited to submit best-practice policies they have implemented in their jurisdictions over the past year. City and county governments submitted evidence-based policies to increase physical activity and improve nutrition.
The Community Champions program is part of Florida Department of Health’s Healthiest Weight Florida initiative. Healthiest Weight Florida is a public-private collaboration bringing together state agencies, not-for-profit organizations, businesses and entire communities to help Florida’s children and adults make consistent, informed choices about healthy eating and active living.
For information about DOH-Sarasota, go to www.sarasotahealth.org or call 941-861-2900.