Monterey County Health Department - Health Promotion Services

Nutrition and Fitness Collaborative of the Central Coast

Vision:
All Central Coast residents practice healthy eating and physical activity in communities that value, support, and promote these life-long behaviors.

Goals:
1. Reduce obesity, especially among children.
2. Increase physical activity levels.
3. Increase access to affordable, nutritious food.

Collaborative efforts include:

Policy:
The Collaborative seeks to increase physical activity in our communities by promoting walkability. The NFCCC issued the information brief "Taking a Step in the Right Direction: Placing a Premium on Health by Promoting More Walkable Central Coast Communities", based on original data from surveys done in Salinas, Watsonville, and Hollister in 2004.

Training:
Professional level trainers are brought to the region to raise the skill level of members and friends of the NFCCC. Recent conferences and workshops have included Dr. Naomi Neufeld of Kidshape, Stefan Harvey of the California Center for Public Health Advocacy, and training in the SPARK physical activity program. Fall programs will include media training, training facilitation, and advocating for public policy change.

Media:
The Regional Coordinator and Staff to the Collaborative coordinates media coverage of activities occurring in partnership with Nutrition Network programs in the three county region, Collaborative activities, and Subcontractor interventions and activities.

Resources:
A tri-County (Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz) Physical Activity Resource Guide has been developed for distribution to the NFCCC agencies and requesting organizations from the three-county area.

Communication:
A daily e-letter, quarterly meeting, and subcommittee teleconferences ensure that Collaborative and community are kept informed of emerging legislation, local and regional issues, and opportunities to positively impact the health climate of our region..

Collaborative Partners