Increase access to healthy food and physical activity.
Strategies:
Promote free and low-cost community wellness and fitness classes through targeted communications, partnerships with local organizations, and the utilization of public spaces.
Overview of Progress Made
- Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and other partnering agencies are planning promotions, events, and webinars spotlighting Maryland pedestrian safety, health, and commuting options for the October Walktober observance.
Key Iniatives
- Walktober: A Maryland observance in October to promote pedestrian safety and walking programs and Initiatives.
Engage communities in enhancing the safety and accessibility of community spaces through improvements to the built environment.
Embrace a food-is-medicine approach by developing policies that support access to healthy food, home-delivered meals, and medically-tailored meals through cross-sector collaboration.
Screen for and cross-promote food assistance programs, including SNAP, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, The Emergency Food Assistance Program, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, and locally-operated programs.
Outcomes:
Short-Term (1-3 years)
- Cross-promote food assistance programs
- Promote community-driven infrastructure, wellness, and fitness programs
Mid-Term (4-6 Years)
- Implement a multisector food-is-medicine program
- Reduce malnutrition, and increase access to culturally appropriate and medically tailored meals