Cambridge Food and Fitness Policy Council Recognized as “Bright Idea” in Government

The Cambridge Food and Fitness Policy Council has been recognized as a 2015 “Bright Idea” in government by the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. It was one of 124 government programs selected from a national pool of 500 applicants.

“The Bright Ideas program demonstrates that often seemingly intractable problems can be creatively and capably tackled by small groups of dedicated, civic-minded individuals,” said Stephen Goldsmith, director of the Innovations in Government Program at the Ash Center.

The Cambridge Food and Fitness Policy Council catalyzes action around policies, systems, and practices that make healthy, affordable, and culturally appropriate foods and fitness options available to more residents.  It is among a handful of food and fitness policy councils in the nation.

“Our goal is to make it easier for people to make healthy choices,” said Dawn Olcott, co-facilitator of the Food and Fitness Policy Council and a Cambridge Public Health Department nutritionist. “We know that many residents face challenges when it comes to healthy eating and physical activity, including financial and cultural barriers.”

Recognizing that a quarter of the city’s population is foreign-born, the council and the city’s Community Engagement Team have reached out to different immigrant communities in Cambridge to better understand these cultural barriers around food and fitness. These conversations have resulted in the inclusion of authentic international dishes on school menus, city-sponsored bicycling workshops for immigrant families, and an annual cross cultural dance party for women.

The council is also actively involved in promoting voluntary guidelines for healthy snacks and physical activity in the out-of-school-time programs; developing recommendations for expanding urban agriculture in Cambridge; and promoting year-round farmers’ markets.

“Reducing obesity and hunger require action at all levels of government,” said City Manager Richard C. Rossi. “I consider the Cambridge Food and Fitness Policy Council a model for how city agencies and nonprofits can pool knowledge and experience to make a real impact on people’s lives.”

The citywide council was established by the health department in 2011 after a city-appointed task force concluded that low-income and immigrant residents faced numerous obstacles in accessing healthy foods and opportunities to be physically active. The 18-member council is comprised of city and community experts in nutrition, public health, urban planning, and human services.