Montclair has once again earned the Healthy Town distinction from the NJ Health Care Quality Institute Mayors Wellness Campaign – the fourth time that the Township was awarded this recognition.
Montclair’s Mayors Wellness Campaign (MWC) was lauded for its efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, which focused on maintaining programs to ensure that residents continue to have access to health and wellness activities despite the challenges they faced. Specifically, the Community Farms Initiative served 475 people, increased SNAP purchases, created over 4,000 pounds of produce grown, and was supported by over 1,000 volunteers throughout the year. This successful program was done in partnership with community partners and enabled the MWC to tackle the increase in food insecurity.
“We are thrilled that once again the NJ Health Care Quality Institute has recognized Montclair as a Mayors Wellness Campaign Healthy Town,” said Mayor Sean Spiller. “Our township departments and community partners continue to provide a great variety of programs and activities that promote healthy behaviors. We have options for all ages, access to healthful foods and nutrition information. Through the efforts of township departments and outside organizations we were able to continue offering athletic, recreational, and other activities which helped maintain the well-being of our residents during the pandemic.”
Below are the eight MWC 2021 Healthy Town winners:
City of Bayhead
Evesham Township
Montclair
Paterson
Plainfield
Scotch Plains
Wildwood Crest
Woodbridge Township
The Mayors Wellness Campaign (MWC) is a program of the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute in partnership with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities. Each year, communities participating in the MWC complete a comprehensive Healthy Town Application outlining the research they’ve done to identify their community health needs and explaining how they have organized their local MWC committee. The application also highlights the actions the towns have taken to make their communities healthier places to live, work, and play.