Posted on August 15, 2012

Louisiana Organizations Launch 'Healthy Living Club' to Combat Obesity Epidemic

A group of nonprofit organizations in Lafayette, Louisiana, have launched a new initiative to address the obesity epidemic in their comunity, the Advertiser reports.

Launched in response to a recent report that found Louisiana has the sixth highest rate of adult obesity and fourth highest rate of childhood obesity in the country, the Healthy Living Club program will promote a healthy and active lifestyle in two neighborhoods designated as "food and park deserts." To date, the project has received a three-year, $1 million grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation through its Challenge for a Healthier Louisiana program, and $2 million in matching donations — both cash and in-kind — from other community partners.

Partners in the effort include KaBOOM!, the Kiwanis Foundation of Lafayette, Second Harvest, Acadiana Food Circle, the American Heart Association, and the Boys and Girls Clubs. According to the Advertiser, the program will offer healthy cooking classes, education materials, fitness programs, and better access to exercise equipment.