McAllen – On Thursday, the National League of Cities (NLC) recognized McAllen for achieving gold medals in all five
Let’s Move! Cities, Towns and Counties (LMCTC) goal areas, which are based on achievements made to improve access to healthy, affordable food and promote physical activity for children and adults.
LMCTC is a key part of the First Lady’s
Let’s Move! initiative and helps local elected officials, their staff and communities ensure all children grow up healthy and have the ability to reach their full potential. NLC works in partnership with
Let’s Move! and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide assistance to local elected officials. Over 500 cities, towns and counties have committed to the
five goals in the LMCTC initiative since July 2012.
All LMCTC communities have the opportunity to earn up to five gold medals, one for each actionable goal that they commit to as part of the initiative. Medals are awarded to local elected officials based on their achievements in areas such as providing healthy school meals, opportunities for physical activity during and outside of school, and healthier early care and education programs.
This year, McAllen joins an elite group of 59 cities and counties that have earned gold medals in each of the five goal areas. This number is expected to grow as more local leaders take advantage of their unique position to ensure the health and well-being of young people today and that of future generations is a priority. In addition,
five city leaders were honored for their overall efforts to prevent childhood obesity and improve the health of their residents.
“The Let’s Move campaign has sparked a health and fitness movement within our employees at the City of McAllen and McAllen Independent School District that has trickled down to our community,” said Whitacre. “We have advocated for more outdoor fun and activities. I believe involving the entire family is key to our success with Let’s Move.”
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