Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program

The Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program (CCROPP) is the Central California Public Health Partnership's 3-year initiative to reduce disparities in obesity and diabetes in the San Joaquin Valley. This project is possible as a result of a 2.6 million dollar grant from The California Endowment. California State University, Fresno's Central California Center for Health and Human Services is the grant administrator on behalf of the Central California Public Health Partnership.

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CCROPP objectives are to improve the food and physical activity environments for Central California communities and to create momentum for widespread changes in the policies and practices that contribute to the rising rates of obesity in our region. In short, CCROPP seeks to create healthier communities so that our residents can lead healthier lives.

CCROPP's focus on changing environments is purposeful. Individuals need help in accessing healthy foods as well as clean safe places to engage in physical activity. These issues are particularly relevant to low-income urban and rural communities who's neighborhoods may lack outlets for healthy foods, fruits and vegetables in particular, as well as adequate green space.

CCROPP activities are divided into two distinct phases. Program activities in Phase 1 include the establishment of broad-based community councils in each of the six counties. These councils will identify priority areas for action in improving healthy food access and physical activity in their chosen target environments, be it schools, neighborhoods, workplaces, etc. An obesity prevention plan will be created in response to the community identified needs. These plans will drive the implementation activities during Phase 2. CCROPP will therefore utilize an approach that is place based, policy oriented and community driven.