Communities in California have found that the key to successful community change that improves health equity is ensuring that community residents

In Miami, draft regulations that set nationally recognized minimum minutes of physical activity, screen-time restrictions, and nutrition standards for all licensed day care centers are currently being piloted with 887 day care centers, reaching 63,427 children.

In West Fresno, a city with many low-income residents, the local school was lacking a gymnasium. Through a partnership between the New Millenium Institute for Education and the West Fresno Boys and Girls Club, students participate in physical education at the Boys and Girls Club gym to keep active and healthy.

In the predominantly Latino city of Chula Vista, California, the local school district has opened its green space to the youth soccer league through a successful joint use agreement.

A parent-led walking group serves as the resident task force to the Get Moving Kern coalition and is reversing barriers to healthy eating and safe walking in their rural, predominantly Latino community of Kern County, California.

With a membership base of over 2,000, Community Farm Alliance spearheads policies to support family farming in rural Kentucky and creates access to healthy fresh fruits and vegetables among urban, West Louisville's primarily African American residents through a blend of programs and policies.

In Pixley, California, a small town of 2,500 that is predominantly Latino, the local school embraced joint use of its facilities, the highlight of which is Ballet Folkorico, a dance program that is run by parent volunteers. The benefits are far-reaching: children feel connected to their cultural heritage, it gives them greater self-confidence, improves their academics, and keeps them moving and active.

In Woodbury County, policies to support local, organic foods have helped to tip the scales in support of more sustainable practices that have potential benefits not only for economic vitality, but also for the health of the community.

Cultivating fruits and vegetables in an urban garden and on a suburban farm leased from the city at minimal cost, youth work with The Food Project and participate in community-supported agriculture that brings healthy produce to low-income residents throughout Boston.