AIM for CHangE What We Do
AIM for CHangE works with local coalitions to plan and implement changes that improve access to healthier foods and opportunities for physical activity in Mississippi counties with increased rates of obesity in adults. Explore Our Counties to learn more about the coalitions, or check out our Success Stories to learn more about projects they are working on!
AIM for CHangE primarily supports community action projects to address the strategies described below.
- We currently work in 9 of 12 Mississippi counties with adult obesity rates of 40% or more to improve:
- Nutrition: food systems and food service guidelines/healthy nutrition standards
- Work with food pantries, community gardens, farmers markets, restaurants, convenience stores, and other food outlets to improve the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables
- Physical Activity: sidewalks, paths, bicycle routes, and public transit connecting homes, schools, worksites, parks, or recreation centers
- Work with infrastructure projects such as sidewalk lighting, directional signage, and local beautification to encourage active living through walkability between everyday destinations
- Nutrition: food systems and food service guidelines/healthy nutrition standards
- AIM for CHangE is structured to involve and engage community members from the very beginning so they are empowered to be change leaders in their communities.
- Our coalitions:
- ensure local involvement of people from multiple demographic backgrounds and health statuses.
- empower residents to develop healthier cultures by addressing both community and individual-level factors, recognizing the importance of social determinants of health.
- receive support and technical assistance from AIM for CHangE agents to implement solutions.
- avoid duplication of efforts with ongoing projects through frequent communication within a network of partners.
Publications
News
JACKSON, Miss. -- For five years, AIM for CHangE has turned federal dollars into park updates, playgrounds, food pantries, ride-sharing programs and community produce gardens for underserved areas in Mississippi.
RAYMOND, Miss. -- The Mississippi State University Extension Service recently received a second cycle of funding for a project that has worked to combat obesity by helping people eat healthier and participate in physical activity. The AIM for CHangE program was awarded a five-year, $4.4 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help continue efforts to combat obesity in 10 target counties.
A cross section of Belzoni society turned out to celebrate the opening of a new downtown attraction, a StoryWalk park that’s aimed at children but also welcomes adult interaction. Centennial Park on West Jackson Street in downtown Belzoni now hosts bright-yellow word art that invites visitors to “share.” Within the park is the area’s first StoryWalk, a combination of literacy and physical activity.
