Childhood Obesity Program Area

RWJF is committed to tackling one of the most urgent threats to the health of our children and families—childhood obesity. Our goal is to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic by 2015.

Using Geographic Information Systems to Compare Municipal, County, and Commercial Parks Data

June 6, 2013 | Journal Article

Parks are an integral part of a favorable built environment, and several studies have found a positive association between a favorable built environment and physical activity.

A Closer Examination of the Relationship Between Children's Weight Status and the Food and Physical Activity Environment

May 30, 2013 | Journal Article

Data from four inner-city neighborhoods were gathered to demonstrate how geospatial locations and well-specified geographic areas are an important aspect when studying the associations of weight status with food and physical activity environments.

Spatial Disparities in the Distribution of Parks and Green Spaces in the USA

February 1, 2013 | Journal Article

This study assessed whether the spatial accessibility of parks and green spaces are correlated to race/ethnicity or poverty among census tracts in the conterminous U.S.

Beyond Distance: Children's School Travel Mode Choice

February 1, 2013 | Journal Article

Attitudes and perceptions about the environment are discussed in this comprehensive study assessing modifiable elements and environmental features beyond the actual distance to school.

Aesthetic Amenities and Safety Hazards Associated with Walking and Bicycling for Transportation in New York City

February 1, 2013 | Journal Article

Neighborhood street amenities such as sidewalk cafés, as well as fewer safety hazards may be associated with walking or active transportation.

Using Google Street View to Audit the Built Environment

February 1, 2013 | Journal Article

Google Street View imagery is used to assess characteristics of the built environment in this study.

Evaluation of Active Living by Design

November 1, 2012 | Journal Article

Active Living by Design (ALbD) community partnerships that did more preparation did implement more programs, promotions, physical projects, and policy influences. But partnerships working in non-White and poor communities implemented fewer interventions, according to this exploratory analysis to detect configurations of community characteristics.

Isanti County Active Living

November 1, 2012 | Journal Article

This project worked with three cities to change policies to require paving of road shoulders, and sidewalks and trails in new developments. The project also enhanced trails, and created biking and walking maps and signs.

Using a Bicycle-Pedestrian Count to Assess Active Living in Downtown Wilkes-Barre

November 1, 2012 | Journal Article

This partnership implemented mixed-use development and created a business-improvement district with a focus on cleanliness and security.

Development and Testing of a Community Stakeholder Park Audit Tool

March 1, 2012 | Journal Article

Community parks are an important resource that can support physical activity. Environmental features vary among parks and may include trails, playgrounds, fields, restrooms, drinking fountains, lighting and shade. Few tools exist for auditing parks ...