The US Conference of Mayors today selected six cities to receive $445,000 in grants to bolster their outstanding programs encouraging healthy weight through balanced diet choices and regular physical activity.

The winners of the 2015 Childhood Obesity Prevention Awards – Green Bay, Wisc.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Lima, Ohio; New Haven, Conn.; North Miami, Fla., and Seattle – have all created innovative programs to fight childhood obesity. The grants will help the mayors of these cities expand their programs, which range from teaching teens how to cook healthy meals to creative promotions urging balanced diets.

The funds for this year’s Childhood Prevention Obesity Awards came from the American Beverage Association on behalf of its member companies. The ABA has partnered with the US Conference of Mayors to identify and fund community anti-obesity programs that are proven effective, and has given $1.3 million in grants over the past three years to these worthy programs.

“I believe this partnership has advanced the science on childhood obesity prevention, by identifying and supporting innovative programs that have the potential to be replicated in communities across the country,” said Tom Cochran, CEO and executive director of the US Conference of Mayors.

“The Conference of Mayors is extremely proud of this partnership, and I look forward to continuing our good work with the American Beverage Association to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic in this country,” he said.

Obesity is a complex public health challenge that can’t be boiled down to one specific product or ingredient. That is why the beverage industry supports widespread efforts to educate people about balanced diets and give them information they need to make decisions that are right for them. Beverage companies have deep and longstanding roots in communities across the country, so we are pleased to support initiatives that help our consumers in truly effective ways.

“We’re proud to continue our work on this initiative with the U.S. Conference of Mayors because of the positive impact it will have on families nationwide,” said Susan Neely, president and CEO of the American Beverage Association. “This partnership proves that working together drives meaningful results, and has a real impact in America’s hometowns.”

Congratulations to all the winners. We hope you check back with Sip & Savor as we highlight how these six cities are tackling obesity in their communities.