Burien has officially become a “Let’s Move City” by committing to the obesity prevention initiative launched by First Lady Michelle Obama. The City Council passed a resolution on March 16 to join the National League of Cities (NLC) and the Sound Cities Association in the national and regional effort known as “Let’s Move Cities, Towns and Counties” (LMCTC). This campaign focuses on key health and wellness goals to ensure that kids can grow up healthy. LMCTC works closely with local governments nationwide to adopt policies that improve access to healthy affordable food and opportunities for physical activity for their residents across five goal areas.

“We congratulate Burien for your dedication to building a healthier community for children and families,” said NLC President Ralph Becker, Mayor of Salt Lake City, Utah. “Through the tireless leadership and action of local elected officials in cities, towns and counties across the country, we hope to see continued progress in reversing America’s epidemic of childhood obesity.”

All LMCTC sites have the opportunity to earn up to five gold medals, one for each actionable goal to which they commit to as part of the initiative. Medals are awarded to local governments based on their achievements in each of the following five goal areas:
• Incorporating best practices for nutrition, physical activity and screen time into early child care and
education.
• Encouraging the prominent display of the MyPlate symbol in municipal venues where food is served
(more at www.ChooseMyPlate.gov).
• Encouraging participation in the school breakfast and lunch program.
• Implementing healthy food service guidelines in municipal venues that serve food.
• Encouraging programs and policies aimed at increasing physical activity and access to healthy play spaces.

More than 465 cities, towns and counties are participating in LMCTC, and more than 70 million Americans are now living in LMCTC communities that are dedicated to helping young people eat healthy foods and be physically active. Each month, NLC recognizes local elected officials who achieve key benchmarks for the five LMCTC goals.

Since July 2012, NLC has awarded 2,249 bronze, silver, and gold medals to recognize local elected officials across the country for their LMCTC progress.

Later this spring, the Burien Parks Department is sharing a joint grant with several other south county cities to install outdoor exercise equipment for youth in Lake Burien School Memorial Park. Local south County cities, King County Public Health, King County Parks, local hospitals, schools, businesses and organizations are all working to help educate children and families about the issue of childhood obesity and promoting healthy activity opportunities and nutritional information. “We are all taking part in this initiative to help people in our communities make healthy choices,” said Michael Lafreniere, City of Burien Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director. “Combining resources, we hope to effect change positively and collectively as a team of cities,” added Lafreniere.

For more information about LMCTC and Burien’s accomplishments, visit
www.HealthyCommunitiesHealthyFuture.org.