On a recent webinar hosted by the Advancing Healthy Lifestyles (AHL) Coalition, participants explored how different states are tackling the intertwined challenges of physical activity, nutrition, and obesity prevention. The session, moderated by Kimi Moore (University of Delaware Cooperative Extension), featured research by Esther Dawley, MPH, a PhD student at the University of South Carolina. Dawley’s comparative analysis spanned Iowa, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, offering valuable lessons for policymakers, practitioners, and advocates.

Why State-Level PANO Programs Matter

Physical inactivity and poor nutrition are major drivers of chronic disease and healthcare costs. States are responding with diverse programs to improve food access, enhance school environments, and increase opportunities for physical activity. Understanding what works—and why—can help Delaware and other states strengthen their own initiatives.

Key Findings from the Comparative Analysis

• Iowa: Focuses on embedding healthy behaviors in rural settings, especially schools. Programs like 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices and the Iowa Fresh app reinforce consistent messaging and make healthy choices easier.

• Maryland: Prioritizes food access and equity, investing in food deserts and school nutrition through partnerships with healthcare and community organizations.

• New Jersey: Addresses urban inequities via SNAP-Ed, Safe Routes to School, and grants for innovative approaches in food desert communities.

• Pennsylvania: Emphasizes early childhood wellness and hospital partnerships, with programs like Keystone Kids Go and Good Food Healthy Hospitals.

• Delaware: Supports community-driven projects and emphasizes flexibility, partnership, and broad reach, especially through mini-grants and mobile outreach.

Common Strengths and Challenges

• Schools are the most consistent setting for reaching children and families.

• Partnerships—especially with hospitals, nonprofits, and universities—expand reach and sustainability.

• Federal funding (CDC, USDA) is critical but often temporary, raising sustainability concerns.

• Both rural and urban areas face access barriers, though the nature of these barriers differs.

Best Practices and Innovative Approaches

• Environmental and Policy Change: Embedding movement into classroom time and integrating nutrition into school wellness policies are effective strategies.

• Technology: Tools like the Iowa Fresh app connect residents to healthy food resources.

• Partnerships: Coalitions and collaborations with faith-based organizations, food banks, and healthcare systems are key to expanding impact.

• Early Intervention: Starting young—with fun, interactive activities—yields better long-term outcomes.

Takeaways for Delaware

• One-size-fits-all does not work; strategies should be tailored to urban, suburban, and rural contexts.

• Early prevention and interactive learning tools can boost youth engagement.

• Strengthening coalitions will expand reach and resource alignment.

• Policy shapes environments, partnerships extend capacity, early prevention supports lifelong health, and data ensures accountability.

Looking Ahead

The session concluded with a call for continued research, collaboration, and innovation. Delaware’s small size is both a strength—making collaboration easier—and a challenge, as it can limit outside investment. By learning from other states and building on its unique assets, Delaware can continue to advance healthy lifestyles for all its residents.