By Crystal Swann
March 19, 2012

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer accepted the 1st Place Award for his “Healthy Hometown Movement,” a childhood obesity prevention program. It was one of six cities to win The U.S. Conference of Mayors Childhood Obesity Prevention Recognition Award. The city received a $150,000 grant to support and expand the initiative. The awards went to cities with outstanding programs that encourage healthy weight through balanced diet choices and regular physical activity.

“This award is further evidence that we are on the right track in creating a healthier city for all of our citizens regardless of where they live or other circumstances,” Fischer said. “It is inspiring to see young people taking the lead and being empowered to create change in their own neighborhoods. We are very appreciative of this award because it will help further this important work.”

The Mayor’s Healthy Hometown Movement launched in September 2004 in response to the mayor’s concern about the health status of Louisville residents. The award from the Conference of Mayors will support Louisville’s Youth Advocates Program, a group of 50 young people who have assessed community needs will use that information to become advocates for change as well as young entrepreneurs by creating businesses that provide fresh fruits and vegetables to their “Health in a Hurry” corner store initiative.

“As long-standing employers in Louisville, our member companies have a deep commitment to this community,” said Beverage Association of Kentucky Executive Director Les Fugate during the press event. “We work in an innovative industry that delivers beverage variety, economic value and charitable support throughout Kentucky. At the end of the day, we are your neighbors and stand ready to work with Mayor Fischer on this important initiative.”

This grant program is the result of a partnership between the Conference of Mayors and the American Beverage Association with the goal supporting and/or enhancing mayors’ ongoing childhood obesity prevention programs in their cities. The partnership with the Conference of Mayors builds upon long'standing work by the non-alcoholic beverage industry to support nutrition education for children, strengthen communities and empower consumers. It is another public-private partnership dedicated to making a real difference.