- In the 2012-2013 school year, ~160k or 34% of Dallas County children were obese, and 14% were at risk of becoming obese. Only 52% were considered to have a healthy BMI.
- Obesity already costs Texas businesses more than $3 billion per year. If the problem goes unaddressed, by 2025 that cost will climb to nearly $16 billion.
- The American Obesity Society lists Dallas as one of the “Top 10 Overweight Cities” in the U.S.
- Based on the current number of obese children, the number of obese adults is expected to triple the state’s adult obesity rate by 2040.
- To Place the Child At the Center. We are accountable to the children of our community in all we say and do.
- To Address Systems Surrounding the Child. We believe that a child’s health outcomes are influenced by people, organizations, and processes beyond the child’s control.
- To Collaborate in New Ways. We can do more by coordinating our efforts and resources with one another than we can accomplish alone.
- To Recognize Food Insecurity. We acknowledge the full spectrum of social and economic factors that relate to obesity, including hunger and food insecurity.
- To Honor Diversity. We develop inclusive solutions that honor the diversity of the people in our community, free of judgment and with respect for culture, language, and belief.
- To Be a Neutral Convener. We are a neutral meeting ground to hear and integrate different perspectives, respecting individual and organizational expertise.
- To Build on Local Success. We believe there is great potential in aligning and maximizing local existing efforts to fight childhood obesity.
- To Commit to the Long-Term. We know that tackling obesity to create a healthier generation will require attention, time, and funds for years to come.
- To Be a Learning Collaborative. We use data and evidence to make decisions and measure the effectiveness of our efforts in the community.