We are the NYC Strategic Alliance for Health. From within communities where obesity has increased, we work together to find factors to change the trend. We gather data that matter to families living in high-obesity neighborhoods and we bring that data to policymakers, with advice on how to change it. We aim to help our schools, stores and public space push out obesity in the next few years.

How? Take our name as an upside-down pyramid and see what you think.

We are for health. Our coalition unites researchers, doctors, advocates, parents, teachers and businesspeople devoting our skills to the pursuit of new policies for better public health. We want to see fresh food in every store, phys ed in every school day, bike and running facilities on every street and long years of celebration in every neighborhood. 

We are an alliance. Statistics land with force when they arise from problems that families already want to solve. Our members pool the power of community-based organizations, schools, healthcare providers, retailers, and agencies like GrowNYC. Each of our members contributes a take or a skill or both to the task of gathering vital data that can drive policy for better food, fitness and public space.

And we are strategic. Heroic work goes on every day in the schools, spiritual centers, clinics and homes of the people in our alliance. Our job is to understand that work and its limits, find allies and resources, and manage campaigns for raising public awareness. Obesity arrived in our neighborhoods over several years and we know it will take time to erase it. But with a focus on public health and a broad coalition of stakeholders, we can propose innovations that build on our strength for our greater health.