The City of Rockville has been recognized for its commitment to healthy eating and active living by the Institute for Public Health and Innovation.
Rockville received platinum Healthy Eating Active Living recognition, the highest achievement awarded by the institute for its HEAL Cities and Towns Campaign, which, according to the IPHI’s website, “provides free technical assistance to local government leaders to help them create healthy, prosperous communities by adopting policies and practices that improve their communities’ physical activity and food environments.”
Rockville received the award at the Maryland Municipal League’s summer conference, where 16 towns and cities were recognized by the HEAL program. Only Rockville, Gaithersburg and Edmonston achieved platinum HEAL status. To reach the platinum level, towns and cities must “provide evidence that their healthy eating and active living work reaches across government departments and is being evaluated and monitored,” a press release from IPHI states.
The goals that lead to recognition as a HEAL town or city include the adoption of bicycle and pedestrian master plans that promote bicycling and walking; the support and promotion of farmers markets and community gardens; and the implementation of creative workplace wellness policies and programs.