Each year, September is recognized as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. This month serves as a reminder that childhood obesity is an ongoing challenge facing our country, and public-private partnerships play a critical role in yielding real solutions.

For the last eight years, the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America has partnered with the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) to award the Childhood Obesity Prevention Awards to cities across the country. Every year six winning cities are selected for grants that support innovative and impactful programs to combat childhood obesity in their communities. These programs increase playtime, encourage healthy habits, foster community gardening initiatives and much more. 

"The Conference is proud to partner with the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America to improve the lives of children in cities across the country," said Tom Cochran, USCM CEO and executive director. "Together, we have provided over $3.5 million in grants to more than 40 cities to support programs that take on childhood obesity. With this continued support, America's mayors are ensuring a healthier future for the next generation."

We must all work together to address childhood obesity and public-private partnerships, such as these, can have a lasting impact across the country. Click here to learn more about the Childhood Obesity Prevention Awards.