I was recently asked to propose a short list of indicators of a “healthy neighborhood.” The list was to be considered by the San Diego Childhood Obesity Initiative, which is a wonderful coalition working hard to improve environments and policies to support children’s health. I thought others might be interested in the list, so I am sharing it here.
The items represent my understanding of likely physical or built environmental influences on diet, physical activity, and sedentary behaviors. Many of the items are consistent with evidence. I believe the general concepts are sound, but the specific numbers and distances are best guesses. For present purposes I added a few priority indicators for healthy schools and homes.
Healthy food access
- Supermarket or other source of affordable fresh fruits and vegetables within ½ mile of homes
- No more than 2 convenience or liquor stores within ½ mile of homes
- No more fast food than sit-down restaurants within ½ mile of homes
- Community garden within 1 mile of homes
- Weekly farmer’s market within 1 mile of homes
Facilities for active recreation
- Park with play equipment in good working order within ½ mile of homes
- Parks have walking paths
- Daily youth activity programs for free or sliding scale fees in all parks
- Private recreation facility with sliding scale fees within ½ mile of homes
- Nearest school activity facilities is open for public use
Designing for active transport
- Sidewalks on every street in neighborhood
- Pedestrian aids (crosswalks, signal) at intersection with nearest busy street
- Street pattern creates direct routes from homes to nearby destinations
- Nearest shopping area has sidewalks and safe pedestrian crossings
- Public transit stop within ½ mile of homes
Healthy school environments
- Evidence-based physical education offered daily
- Markings on preschool and elementary playgrounds to stimulate active play
- Sidewalks, marked crosswalks, and traffic calming within ¼ mile of each school to facilitate safe walking and biking
- Salad bars with multiple raw food choices daily in every cafeteria
- Only healthy foods provided at school
- Convenience stores and fast food restaurants are not within ¼ mile of schools
- No food advertising in schools
Healthy home environments
- No televisions in children’s bedrooms
- Only healthy foods out on the counter for snacking
- Sports and activity supplies available for both indoor and outdoor play
- A bicycle or skateboard for every child
James Sallis
