Practice-Based Evidence Supporting Healthy Eating and Active Living Policy and Environmental Changes

Policy and environmental strategies have been recommended as evidence-based strategies to improve opportunities for healthy eating and active living.

A cohort of 6 coalitions in Colorado representing 5 communities was funded to implement policy and environmental strategies that support healthy eating and active living. Coalitions prioritized built environment to support active living and healthy food and beverage strategies.

Built environment coalitions prioritized the adoption of policies and implementation of infrastructure enhancements to improve access to walking, biking, and other physical activity at the institutional, regional, county, and/or municipal levels. Healthy food and beverage coalitions aimed to support the consumption of healthy foods and beverages in government settings, hospitals, and other public venues via policy, practice, or procedural changes.

Built environment coalitions implemented change at 61 sites by implementing 16 policies and plans and 44 environmental changes. Healthy food and beverage coalitions implemented changes at 66 sites by passing 31 policies and plans and 44 environmental and practice changes. It is estimated that more than 70 000 individuals were likely exposed to these policy and environmental changes.

All community coalitions were successful in driving policy and environmental changes to promote healthy eating and active living. This program contributes to the practice-based evidence to demonstrate that with funding and resources, local public health coalitions and practitioners can drive policy and environmental changes in their communities. Providing funding to a dedicated coalition or group of partners can give coalitions the resources they need to drive these changes.