Source: New Jersey Herald
PART ONE
In alphabetical order, here are the other New Jersey municipalities named as “Healthy Towns” by the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute and League of Municipalities:
PLAINFIELD has the historic name of the “The Queen City,” based on climate and air quality that some perceived as beneficial to those with respiratory conditions. Plainfield and its officials are continuing updates on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, and has also continued to offer nutritional counseling to city employees along with blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, and lead screenings for residents.
Through partnerships with local schools, parks, businesses, fitness centers and the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA, the township of SCOTCH PLAINS has offered programs such as Sunrise Yoga Saturdays, and has continued to sponsor nutrition challenges, community 5K races, and the Scotch Plains Farmers Market.
WILDWOOD CREST With a focus on stress reduction and building healthy bodies and minds, the borough livestreamed exercise classes and monthly wellness challenges through its Facebook page related to diet and nutrition, stress relief, exercise, hygiene, self-care and education. Participants earned points for engaging in the various initiatives, which led to constructive online discussions.
When the pandemic took hold last year, WOODBRIDGE quickly shifted to a virtual platform, where it provided programs focused on mental and physical health. It then took on food insecurity with food collections that enabled it to provide food to those most in need.
HONORABLE MENTION: Also cited were Bay Head, Denville, Franklin Lakes, Freehold Borough, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Jersey City, Norwood, and Vernon as their “Healthy Towns To Watch”; and Highlands, Lawrence Township, Morristown, Princeton, and Willingboro as “Healthy Towns Up-And-Coming”.