Congratulations to the city of North Miami for its recognition by the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) for taking a balanced and innovative approach to fighting childhood obesity.

Mayor Smith Joseph and the Let’s Move North Miami program in North Miami, Fla., were recognized as the 2nd place winner in the small city category in this year’s Childhood Obesity Prevention Awards.

The aim of Let’s Move North Miami is to encourage families to learn more about nutrition and how to balance their diet with physical activity.  Schoolchildren age 6 – 18 in three after-school programs receive nutritious after-school snacks and participate in different activities for at least 30 minutes.  Local chefs and nutritionists also take part, giving students tips on food and nutrition to help them live a balanced lifestyle.  The program gives special attention to younger children age 2 to 5 and their parents.  And families are encouraged to join in the mayor’s monthly community bike ride to show the importance of exercise to maintaining balance.

This grant program is funded through the American Beverage Association to support community anti-obesity programs that are proven effective. Through its partnership with USCM, ABA has given $1.3 million in grants over the past three years to worthy programs such as this one in North Miami.

We at Sip & Savor know that obesity is a complex problem – and science repeatedly shows that it is not caused by any single food or beverage.  Any solution needs to tackle the problem as a whole, not just in one segment of the population or one segment of the grocery store.  America’s beverage companies are proud to support cities that do just that – cities that build on our ongoing efforts to encourage a balanced lifestyle.

Congratulations, North Miami!

Click here to see all the outstanding recipients of the 2015 Childhood Obesity Prevention Awards.