Tallahassee, FL -- February 7, 2012 --

It's no secret something's got to give in order to get America healthy again. The Childhood Obesity Prevention Education or COPE coalition declared a call to action Tuesday afternoon.

At times the coalition meeting seemed more like a pep rally encouraging community leaders to make a change. COPE Coalition Co-Director Dr. Cynthia Harris says the organization has already made progress in making a difference.

"In this day in age, with video games, we want to make sure that our children are getting the appropriate physical activity," said Harris.

It was also announced that $200,000 in grants will be available to help create a healthier atmosphere for children including wellness programs and creating access to local healthy foods.

Leaders with Leon County and the city of Tallahassee were at the meeting along with faculty from FSU and FAMU.

"It needs the support of the entire community. Everybody has been absolutely wonderful."

One of the calls to action is to reach out to the public and private sector. That's why the coalition is looking for community members to step up.

"We're going to bring even more private partners to the table as well so it's public and private."

"I think the end goal for Tallahassee and Leon County is that children are healthier, that the rate of obesity is decreased," said senior manager Susan Wildes. "That every corner store has bananas and apples and corn on the cob and fresh fruits and vegetables."

Here is a list of the other calls to action.

Call to Action #1: Engage local public and private sector stakeholders in the identification of best practices and development and implementation of existing and new policies to reduce and prevent childhood obesity in Tallahassee.

Call to Action #2: Engage local community-based organizations, faith-based organizations and business and work-site communities in the design, implementation, evaluation and support of local health and wellness programs to reduce and prevent childhood obesity in Tallahassee.

Call to Action #3: Engage, develop and support school-based health and wellness programs and youth leadership initiatives that inform and promote the reduction and prevention of childhood obesity in Tallahassee.

Call to Action #4: Engage and support early childhood development and education programs and family and parental involvement in childhood and youth programs to reduce and prevent childhood obesity in Tallahassee.

Call to Action #5: Engage and support best practices for increased access to local healthy foods to reduce and prevent childhood obesity in Tallahassee.

Call to Action #6: Engage and support increased physical activity and access to visual and cultural performing arts for local youth in the reduction and prevention of childhood obesity in Tallahassee.

Click the following link for more information. http://www.tallycope.org/