Where we live has a significant impact on how healthy we can be. In fact, health and opportunity have more to do with your ZIP code than your genetic code. We all want to live in communities with resources that support health, but not all communities have those resources.
Throughout our 20-year effort to prevent childhood obesity, RWJF has been involved with many programs to support healthy, equitable community conditions for children and families, including in our home state of New Jersey. We’ve invested in community partnerships, collaborated with community leaders and advocates, supported campaigns, and learned from emerging leaders working to improve their local food systems.
This work is about building solutions that promote health, belonging, and economic inclusion for all. Community members have the clearest picture of their strengths and shared challenges. They know what they need and deserve to have a say in shaping the policies and systems that impact their lives.
LESSON LEARNED: People who are closest to the challenge are also closest to the solution.
