Nutrition and Physical Activity

Vermont was recently ranked first in the nation in overall health for the third year in a row. While we continue to be a leader in health, obesity rates in Vermont, as well as nationwide, have been steadily increasing over the last ten years. Almost a quarter of adults in Vermont are obese, and obesity-related chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some cancers continue to be the leading causes of death in Vermont. Research proves that consuming adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables and exercising the recommended amount of 30 minutes per day can prevent obesity.

Green Mountain United Way is encouraging communities to join our Building Healthy Communities initiatives throughout the five counties we serve to improve access to healthy foods and physical activity opportunities. Through partnerships with hospitals, clinics, education institutions, businesses, municipalities and other groups, we are working together to create community environments that support individuals and families in living healthy lifestyles.

Green Mountain United Way has been awarded its third year CHAMPPS (Coordinated Healthy Activity, Motivation and Prevention Programs) funding of $40,000 by the Vermont Department of Health. This funding will be used to continue the work GMUW has been doing in reducing chronic disease by building access to healthy foods and physical activity opportunities in Washington County. Barre and Northfield, VT have been chosen as pilot sites for this implementation phase. GMUW will be working with community partners in those towns to facilitate planning and resource development to address issues that have been identified for improvements. These include sidewalk and roadway safety, playground renovations, bike path development and easy access to healthy local foods. This funding will support the project through October 2011.

For more information on Green Mountain United Way’s work in the area of Healthy Living, please contact: