SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — Addressing food insecurity. Helping residents stay physically and mentally active. Supporting COVID-19 testing clinics.

The 2020 Mayors Wellness Campaign (MWC) “New Jersey Healthy Town” winners are being recognized for their innovative responses to local needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Scotch Plains has been named one of eight communities participating in the MWC, a program of the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute, in partnership with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, were named 2020 Healthy Towns.

This is Scotch Plain’s third year receiving a Healthy Town designation. One of the township’s greatest strengths is its ability to leverage community partnerships to provide a variety of programs to residents. Partnership organizations include the Department of Parks and Recreation, Scotch Plains Business & Professional Association, local private and public schools, local fitness and nutrition professionals, and the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA. Because of these partnerships, the township was able to offer the following programs throughout the year:

• Sunrise Yoga Saturdays.
• Scotch Plains Farmers Market.
• Nutrition challenges.
• Community 5k races.

“It’s an honor for Scotch Plains to once again be designated through the Quality Institute’s Mayors Wellness Campaign Healthy Town,” said Mayor Josh Losardo. “I would like to recognize former Mayor Al Smith, who was a leader in this program and set forth a number of healthy initiatives.

“I look forward to building upon that fine work in collaboration with the Administration and the Township Council. We are committed to promoting healthy behaviors, with a strong focus on enhancing our public parks and expanding recreational opportunities, as well as hosting town-wide events that encourage interaction and further builds our community,” Losardo added.