Out of almost 500 communities’ nationwide, Missoula County is ranked number one in participation of Let’s Move Cities, Towns and Counties and also received a gold medal.

"They're for expanding access to healthy meals in school, before school, after school, and over the summer,” United Way of Missoula County CEO Susan Hay Patrick said. "Also for increasing opportunities for physical activity at school because kids spend so much time in school, before, during, and after the school day, a lot of the work of Lets Move is done in partnership with schools."

Patrick praises the help from school districts, hospitals, park associations, YMCA, and others.

"So basically, any organization with an interest helping kids and families be on a healthier path in terms in food nutrition and activity," Patrick said. "That kind of covers just about all of us, we all benefit when we all live in a healthier community."

This is the fifth gold medal awarded by the National League of Cities.

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