Good nutrition is essential for health, growth, and development. Excessive calorie consumption, however, can lead to overweight and obesity and associated health risks, especially when paired with too little physical activity. Obesity rates are higher in rural areas than in urban and suburban areas. Increasing opportunities for exercise and access to healthy foods in neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces can help children and adults eat healthy meals and reach recommended daily physical activity levels. Examples of specific strategies to improve diet and increase exercise include: Activity programs for older adults (SS) * Farm to school programs (SE) * Farmers’ markets/stands (SE) * Healthy food initiatives in food banks (SE) Places for physical activity (SS) * Prescriptions for physical activity (SS) School breakfast programs (SS) Screen time interventions for children (SS) * What Works for Health materials include rural-focused resources or studies |