Building a Healthy Northborough, an initiative started in the town in 2008 to promote healthy practices, has received its fourth grant. BHN accepted the $60,000 from Mass in Motion, which is an arm of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
As a collaborative effort between the Health Department, Planning Department, Family Services and the Parks and Recreation Department, Building a Healthy Northborough works to institute better health practices, particularly focusing on healthy eating.
"In just a short time, we have made a lot of improvements," said Town Planner Kathy Joubert, "and a lot of people may not see it, or take it for granted."
One of BHN's biggest accomplishments, she said, involved Northborough's participation in a Mass in Motion effort and study of the BMI (body mass index) in school children. Results showed that Northborough was one of only four schools who participated to show a decrease in BMI in schools.
"We believe that's a direct correlation with programs we started," said Joubert. "We're working directly with the schools."
BHN has worked with the schools to start biking programs and improve school lunches. With the some 30 community gardens in town, Joubert said that the schools are working to use the produce in its lunches.
Through efforts of BHN, eight restaurants in town offer healthy menu items, and will soon have table tents to explain those options.
Its website provides details on the initiatives, as well as plans for grant money in the future.
"We will continue to work with restaurants, schools and we've incorporated the Trails Committee," said Joubert.