Preventing childhood obesity in urban settings with UNICEF

A strategic framework for healthier foodscapes

For three months, Gehl and our partners analyzed the foodscapes of Santiago and Mexico City, focusing on the boroughs of Renca and Independencia. These areas were chosen as they reflect broader urban challenges, including limited access to public space, long commutes, and a high prevalence of ultra-processed foods. Through a combination of desk research, interviews with interested parties, and community engagement with children and caregivers, we identified key opportunities to strengthen local food systems by leveraging existing assets such as public life, traditions, and active mobility. Despite strong local initiatives, centralized governance structures often make it difficult to sustain long-term projects, emphasizing the need for an actionable framework.

Based on our findings, we developed 18 targeted recommendations within four strategic pillars: Governance, Built Space and Urban Character, Food Environments and Cultural Patterns, and Social Environment. Proposed actions included redesigning school-adjacent spaces, creating safe bike routes and supervised walking programs for children, upgrading fresh food markets, and deploying mobile farmers markets in underserved areas. 

Governance-focused initiatives highlighted the importance of food system coordination, stronger regulations on ultra-processed food marketing near schools, and partnerships to increase fresh food availability. By integrating these interventions, cities can foster healthier eating and mobility habits, creating a more inclusive and resilient urban food system.