The 87th Annual United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) Meeting recently wrapped up in Honolulu, where the winners of the 2019 Childhood Obesity Prevention Awards were celebrated. In 2012, the USCM and the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America (ABFHA) joined together to launch the Childhood Obesity Prevention Awards. Over the course of a seven-year partnership, $2.6 million in grants have been awarded in cities across the nation. 

Cities are addressing childhood obesity in their neighborhoods in creative ways including programs to increase playtime, community gardening initiatives and more. Recent winners have included the city of Los Angeles for the Universal Play program which provides subsidized recreational programs for local children. The city of Richmond, Virginia was also a winner for their Fit4Kids Program promoting physical activity and healthy eating. 

At the 87th Annual Meeting, ABA exhibited various materials showcasing the Childhood Obesity Prevention Awards along with our zero- and reduced-sugar beverage options. Mayors walking by our exhibit table found all the information they need to apply for the next award cycle and learn about previous winners. Click here for more information on the Childhood Obesity Prevention Awards. We look forward to many more years of this exciting partnership. 

Acquanetta Warren, Mayor of Fontana, California, poses by the exhibit table with Steve Lodge of ABA