Alexandria officials have resolved to attack the city’s rising childhood obesity rates — which rank among the highest in the region — by promoting food education programs and healthy eating practices.
More than 43 percent of Alexandria children ages 2 to 5 are overweight or obese, according to studies by the Inova Health System. That percentage led all Northern Virginia jurisdictions and far exceeded the national average.
“We have a really acute childhood obesity problem, and this is one step toward a solution,” said Councilman Rob Krupicka, as he explained the new Healthy Food Alexandria resolution, which the City Council voted to adopt.
Krupicka said by adopting the resolution, the City Council hopes to promote healthy eating and sustainable food production as policy priorities. The city will work with residents, schools and local restaurants to improve the health of the community, he said.
“Public education has an important role to play in terms of childhood obesity, because fixing the problem starts with a family education process,” said Mayor Bill Euille.
Euille said parents need to be smarter about the food they feed their children — especially 2- to 5-year-olds.
“Kids that age don’t choose what they eat,” he said.
Alexandria residents, with members of the city’s health department, council and local health advocacy groups, created the campaign to raise awareness of proper nutrition habits and sustainable food practices.
Heather Stouffer, a mother of two who helped design the Healthy Food Alexandria initiative, said the city’s participation would focus attention on existing sustainable food projects and community gardening programs.
