The United States Conference of Mayors and the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America recently announced the winners of the 2016 Childhood Obesity Prevention Awards, which are given to mayors across the nation who have created innovative programs to combat obesity in their communities. New Orleans Mayor Mitchell J. Landrieu was awarded first place in the large city division for his “Fit NOLA” program.

“Fit NOLA” is aimed at reducing obesity and promoting balanced lifestyles among New Orleans’ residents with the ultimate goal of making New Orleans one of America’s top ten fittest cities by 2018. The “Fit NOLA” school component brings physical activity and access to nutritious foods into New Orleans’ public schools. This, in turn, helps students to get excited about school and stay focused in the classroom.

“Cities are where things are happening and where things are getting done,” said Mayor Landrieu. “I want to thank the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America and the U.S. Conference of Mayors for recognizing the work that we’ve done.”

New Orleans will share $445,000 in grants with five other cities of varying sizes to support and enhance programs that encourage healthy weight through balanced diet choices and regular physical activity.

Programs like “Fit NOLA” demonstrate that successful public-private partnerships can bring about real and lasting change for the better in our communities. Check out USMayors.org to watch a video about Mayor Landrieu’s program and the five other winners of the Childhood Obesity Prevention Awards.