Wharton and Ford Team Up Against Childhood Obesity

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Memphis Mayor AC Wharton and Interim Shelby County Mayor Joe Ford rolled out a new initiative Friday in an effort to fight childhood obesity.

The plan focuses on encouraging children to make healthy choices and making sure all communities have access to healthier foods.

Memphis Mayor AC Wharton said being healthy and fit is an important message to get across to the area's youth.

"It's something you know I'm a big fan of. Staying in shape, particularly not so much for myself but trying to set an example for the young because what they start at young ages is the way they will pattern their lives as they go on," said Wharton.

Mayor Wharton and Shelby County Interim Mayor Joe Ford have teamed up to encourage youngsters to get fit and eat healthy. But their initiative isn't just about getting the word out but also about accessibility to healthy foods.

"The thing will be to ensure access to the kinds of thing that will help healthy activity and nutrition goals to modify behaviors," said Ken S. Robinson with the County Health Department

In South Memphis, The Works Inc. has helped organize a farmer's market at the corner of Mississippi Blvd and South Parkway. Open each Thursday, the market has given the residents access to fresh fruits and vegetables in an area more than 2 miles away from the closest grocery store. After just 2 weeks up and running, the market has been a big hit in the community.

In addition to accessibility, Mayor Wharton and Mayor Ford's new plan also focuses on pricing.

"In order for people to eat five servings of fruits and veggies a day, they have to have access to it. So it will also be about point of purchase pricing," said Robinson.