NPAC - Get Fit Kauai

Funded by the State of Hawaii Department of Health’s Healthy Hawai`i Initiative (HHI) through a contract with the University of Hawai`i at Manoa’s Office of Public Health Studies, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Get Fit Kauai, Kauai County Nutrition & Physical Activity Coalition (NPAC) first reconvened in March, 2009.

The NPAC's, which operate on Maui and Kauai are charged with improving health in the areas of physical activity and nutrition through systems and environmental changes, based on the social-ecological model. Research has shown that it is through these types of changes that long-lasting health benefits are gained.

Get Fit Kauai has developed the following task forces to address the coalition’s priority areas.

1. Built environment (buildings, land use, public resources, zoning regulations and transportation systems
2. Schools and childcare facilities
3. Worksites
4. Nutrition and Food systems

Worksite Wellness Task Force of Get Fit Kauai has completed a pilot worksite wellness program; the Mayor’s Walking Workbus (collaboration between GFK, County of Kauai, American Cancer Society and the Department of Health) and is currently working on a worksite wellness project, “On the Road to Wellness Challenge” that promotes policy and environmental change in the worksite.

The School Task Force of Get Fit Kauai has formed and is presently working with a Countywide Safe Routes to School Team to develop a Safe Routes to Schools program. Members include elementary schools; County agencies, including Public Works, Planning, Kauai Police Department; and community organizations and individuals.

The Access to Healthy Foods Task Force of Get Fit Kauai is concentrating on creating a project to promote policy change and access to healthy foods served in pre-schools. In addition, a program is underway to help SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) beneficiaries Eat Better Today and get locally fresh produce at Farmers' Markets. A sub-committee is also working on efforts to promote Kauai Grown, the local farmers and locally grown produce, and to strengthen relationships between farmers, retailers, restaurants, and consumers.

The Built Environment Task Force of Get Fit Kauai is focusing on developing the Complete Streets policy and ordinance since the establishment of the County Resolution in 2010. Work is also being done to educate the community on the concept and benefits of Complete Streets.

Objectives and strategies for all task forces are driven from the Department of Health PAN Plan. A copy of that plan can be found at www.healthyhawaii.com

We look forward to working with you in the future to improve the health of our community.

We are compiling a directory listing Kauai resources currently providing services in physical activity, nutrition or other community services. If appropriate, please fill out this survey.

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