Combating Overweight and Obesity in Our Community
In Cobb and Douglas, 36.7% of the adult population is overweight and 30.0% are obese (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, 2017). Obesity and being overweight have been associated with increased risk of certain chronic diseases and other health problems, such as: coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure and cholesterol (National Institute of Health Managing Overweight and Obesity: Systematic Evidence Review in Adults, 2013).
Adequate consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables is directly linked with healthier weights and decreased chronic diseases. Lower socio-economic status is linked with poorer nutrition choices due to the expense of many healthier options (USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans Report 2020).
To assist with the betterment of our communities’ health, Cobb and Douglas Public Health through the Cobb 2020 and Live Healthy Douglas Partnerships has collaborated with two local farmers’ market initiatives in 2021, the Mableton Farmers Market and Church St Farmers Market. These partnerships focus on promoting increased fresh fruit and vegetable access to those with limited availability and those with lower socio-economic status.
Both the Mableton Farmers Market and Church St Farmers Market accept SNAP/EBT (Supplemental Assistance Nutrition Program) and are also in partnership with Wholesome Wave’s Georgia Fresh for Less program. This program allows SNAP/EBT purchases up to $50 to be doubled for produce purchases.
Mableton Farmers Market
5239 Floyd Road SW
Mableton, GA 30126
The Mableton Farmers Market is open for its eleventh season in 2021 at the Mable House Complex. The market is running June 3 – August 12 on every Thursday from 8:30AM to 12:30PM, expect for July 1. In addition to a large choice of good-for-you produce grown by local small farmers, the market offers fresh-baked products, honey, eggs, granola, nuts, and specialty items. For more information, please visit www.mableton.org/mableton-farmers-market/
Church St Farmers Market
6730 Church Street
Douglasville, GA 30134
The Church St. Farmers Market began in 2020 and is open for its second season May 4 – September 28, 2021. The market operates every Tuesday between 3:00PM -7:00PM during the season. A variety of local farm fresh produce, herbs, eggs, and honey are available as well as baked goods, arts and crafts, hand-crafted jewelry, health and wellness items, and bath and body products. For more information, please visit www.douglasvillega.gov/government/city-departments/keep-douglasville-beautiful/church-st-farmers-market
Cobb & Douglas Public Health continues to seek additional funding sources to further support these farmers’ market initiatives and in efforts to expand fresh food access throughout Cobb and Douglas Counties.
Walk Cobb
The Cobb 2020 Walk Cobb program is a part of the Walk Georgia program sponsored by the University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension. Walk Georgia www.walkgeorgia.org is a free, online program that allows you to track your physical activity, while encouraging you to move more.
Walk Georgia is not just a walking program. There are currently 80 different activities to choose from. Participants’ track their weekly physical activities online through the Walk Georgia website and the recorded activities are translated into “walked” miles. As miles are accumulated, participants will be able to unlock fun facts and information about the counties as they navigate across the state’s virtual map and “walk” Georgia. The site also provides recipes, fitness tips, resources and events.
Participants can join at any time and can register as an individual or be part of a team or organization. At least once a year, a Walk Cobb challenge has been organized aimed at engaging community members to be more active.
For more information about obesity or any of the above initiatives, please call the Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention office at 770-432-7937.