Las Cruces Wins Childhood Obesity Prevention Award

The U.S. Conference of Mayor’s met Wednesday to announce the six winning cities across the United States that exhibited outstanding programs that encourage healthy weight and physical activity for children.

Each of the six cities was awarded $25,000 and $150,000 based on city size and its programs based on innovativeness, creativity, replicability and potential impact.

?We are extremely grateful for this partnership with the American Beverage Association, which will allow communities across the country to expand the reach of education and obesity awareness programs to thousands of additional young people,? said Tom Cochran, CEO and executive director of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. ?At a time when communities are in need of additional funding, this support will produce tangible benefits for thousands of families.?

Las Cruces won second place and $25,000 in the medium-city category for Mayor Ken Miyagishima?s ? Mayor’s 5-2-1-0 Fitness and Nutrition Challenge.?

Miyagishima traveled to every third-grade class in the city to challenge students to do four things every day for three weeks, eat five servings of fruits and vegetables, exercise for one hour a day, and to spend no more than two hours a day in front of digital media.

Other cities that received the award include Louisville, Ky.; Allentown, Pa.; Lima , Ohio; Houston, Texas; and Patterson, La.