Vinton County CHC Program Promotes Healthy Foods, Active Living Through Projects

The Vinton County Health Department is advancing a multi-year Creating Healthy Communities (CHC) program funded by an Ohio Department of Health grant to prevent chronic disease by increasing access to healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity. The work spans farmers market support, park renovations, pedestrian planning in McArthur, community gardens, safe routes and healthy vending with local employers.

County leaders and health staff emphasize practical projects that change daily choices. Visible improvements on the ground include renovations at Wyman Park and continued backing for the local farmers market, both listed as past accomplishments alongside an adopted complete streets policy. Those measures aim to make walking, biking and buying fresh produce easier for residents across Vinton County.

Planning and design work in McArthur focuses on pedestrian infrastructure, an effort intended to connect neighborhoods with storefronts, parks and schools. Community gardens and safe routes programming are intended to increase access to fresh food and to encourage active transportation for children and adults. The CHC program also partners with local employers on healthy vending initiatives to offer better snack and drink choices where people work.

The program maintains a public presence through ongoing community meetings where residents can learn about projects and suggest priorities. Meeting schedules, program background, vision and examples of local projects are posted online at vintonohhealth.org/new-page?utm_source=openai. That page also lists continuing activities and resources tied to the grant work, providing a way for residents and organizations to follow progress or join planning conversations.

For Vinton County households, the CHC focus has concrete implications. Strengthening the farmers market and supporting community gardens can lower barriers to fresh produce for families on limited budgets. Sidewalks, crosswalks and other complete streets elements aim to reduce safety concerns that keep people from walking or biking. Healthy vending with employers touches everyday routines by shifting available choices at work sites.

The program is ongoing; some projects are completed and others remain in planning or implementation. Residents interested in shaping future efforts can review upcoming meeting information online and connect with the health department to learn how to get involved. As CHC projects move forward, the promise is straightforward: healthier food and safer, more active spaces woven into everyday life in Vinton County.