Gaston County Fitness and Nutrition Council

Vision Statement

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A healthy lifestyle is essential to the fabric of Gaston County. Residents of all ages, from toddlers to seniors, use the community’s wide variety of resources for healthy eating and active living which contribute to their physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

Throughout the year, individuals bike to work, children walk to school on safe sidewalks, families skate on local greenways, co-workers walk during lunchtime, neighbors meet for daily walks, kids organize neighborhood softball games, and seniors tend their gardens and practice Tai Chi in the park.

All families have access to a safe, adequate, healthy, and readily available food supply. Families eat healthy meals together and make healthy choices when dining out. Children and adolescents choose balanced school meals, including breakfast and lunch. Seniors socialize with friends while enjoying nutritious meals at a variety of settings including home, dining establishments, churches, and community centers. Employers provide cafeterias and break rooms, which offer nutritious meal options. Vending machines are stocked with healthy snacks, juice and water.

Gaston County supports these activities:

1. Individuals choose to engage in regular physical activity and healthy eating because these activities enhance their emotional and spiritual well-being.

2. Families incorporate physical activity into their daily routines and limit their children’s television viewing and computer use.

3. Faith-based organizations organize recreational activities and team sports for individuals of all ages.

4. Schools require daily physical education for all grade levels and provide physical activity options for students including recreational and intramural activities for students of all skill levels.

5. Community, healthcare, and educational agencies conduct, health screenings and health promotion programs for residents of all ages.

6. Employers offer wellness programs to encourage employees to be active and maintain a healthy weight. This in turn promotes a healthy, productive work force that receives quality health insurance at lower premiums.

7. Local governments and community residents advocate for parks, greenways, sidewalks and bike lanes and regularly sponsor community walks, tournaments, and fitness education. Local governments also conduct nutrition education programs for residents of all ages and skill levels.

8. Schools, employers, and dining establishments provide well-balanced meals and offer a variety of healthy foods.

As a result, Gaston County is known for its high quality of life, where healthy people live in a healthy environment. It has the nation’s lowest rate of premature and overall heart disease, stoke, diabetes and obesity. Walking and cycling have reduced automobile use and improved air quality. Gaston County’s economy continues to thrive thanks to a healthy workforce. The broad interaction of residents, supported by physical activity and healthy eating, make Gaston County a safe and healthy community in which to live.

The benefits of a healthy lifestyle are seen daily among all Gaston County residents.