New York City is home to more than 8 million residents living in the five boroughs of Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. The city’s fabled reputation seems to suggest that all a resident needs, or will ever need, is right at his or her fingertips. Yet despite its world-renowned parks, urban greenways, public transportation system and fresh food options, there are striking health disparities. Residents of the South Bronx, North and Central Brooklyn, and East and Central Harlem—home to approximately 1 million residents—are largely limited to fast food restaurants and small bodegas as food sources, which primarily carry packaged foods and have limited fresh produce options. Area residents have also identified the need for more fitness options, particularly for youth and seniors. These inequities have resulted in health disparities and high rates of obesity.

The NYC Food & Fitness Partnership is working to decrease the disparities in access to healthy food and physical activity opportunities by expanding the city’s green markets, working in partnership with bodegas to improve healthy food options and offering free exercise classes. However, much more needs to be done. By addressing citywide policies and expanding successful initiatives through the work of its partners, the NYC Food & Fitness Partnership is working to improve the health of all New York City residents. It is the Partnership’s hope that in 10 years, regardless of income, everyone in NYC will have equal access to healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity.