In January, ABA’s President and CEO Susan K. Neely once again joined mayors from across our country at the U.S. Conference of Mayor’s Winter Meeting to celebrate those who have made tackling childhood obesity in their communities a priority. Six mayors were recognized during the Childhood Obesity Prevention Luncheon including Port Arthur, Texas, Mayor Derrick Freeman. Mayor Freeman was honored with 2^nd place in the Small City category for his “The Fit Commit/CATCH” initiative.

The Mayor, along with other city leaders, started the program to ensure the youth of Port Arthur are receiving nutrition education, not just in school but also reaching students in the out-of-school time.

CATCH stands for a Coordinated, Approach, to Child Health and it is scientifically proven to be an effective way to increase children's health for children of all backgrounds. The CATCH program consists of 4 components:

• Physical education

• Nutrition and cafeterias

• Academics: classroom curricula/lessons for K-5 and 6-8

• Family and community

Congratulations to Mayor Freeman! Learn more about the Childhood Obesity Prevention Grants here.