Reach for More

Many of California’s rural residents struggle with obesity.

Unfortunately, California’s rural communities face physical, geographic, social, and economic barriers to good health. High obesity rates in rural areas point to the need for healthier eating and drinking habits. Ensuring access to affordable, healthy beverages is one key obesity prevention strategy.

Establishing policies that decrease the amount of sugary drinks sold in vending machines in public spaces (such as community centers and government buildings) can help to increase consumption of healthier drinks and encourage healthier drinking habits in rural communities.

CA4Health, in collaboration with ChangeLab Solutions, developed Reach for More to help communities assess their current procurement and vending contracts and policies. This guide outlines the context, steps, and relationships necessary for successfully implementing healthy vending in rural settings.

CA4Health is the Public Health Institute’s Community Transformation Grant.