(July 10, 2013) Jackson, Tenn.- Mayor Jerry Gist and the City of Jackson were awarded national medals today from the National League of Cities.
According to a press release from the city, the medals were for the achievements in addressing childhood obesity. Mayor Gist was recognized for his completion of the Let’s Move! Cities, Towns, and Counties health and wellness goals.
Let’s Move! Cities, Towns, and Counties is a part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move initiative.
According to the release, the city received medals in four of five goal areas:
Goal 1: Start Early, Start Smart: Promoting best practices for nutrition, physical activity, and screen time in early care and education settings. The city received bronze, silver, and gold medals in this area.
Goal 2: My Plate, Your Plate: Prominently displaying MyPlate in all municipal or county venues where food is served.
Goal 3: Smart Servings for Students: Increasing participation in school breakfast and lunch programs. The city received bronze, silver, and gold medals in this category.
Goal 4: Model Food Service: Implementing healthy and sustainable food service guidelines that are aligned with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The city received bronze and silver medals.
Goal 5: Active Kids at Play: Increasing opportunities for physical activity. The city received bronze, silver, and gold medals in this goal.
According to a release from the National League of Cities, 330 cities, towns, and counties from 46 states and Washington D.C. have committed to the five goals.
They awarded over 1,000 medals to recognize “local elected officials who have made progress in achieving these goals.”
This is the second time in under a month that Jackson has been recognized on a national scale. Jackson also won “Most Livable Small City” from the US Conference of Mayors in June.
