EPODE International Network
Country
European Initiative
2011-Ongoing
Aimed for
(05-12) Children
Type of partnership
Public-Private Partnership
Sectors
Community, Education, Physical Activity & Sports, Public administration
Innovation
Social, Methodological
Aim
Support and scale community-based multi-stakeholder programmes to prevent childhood obesity; promote physical activity, healthy eating, reduced sedentary behavior
Outcome
Outcome
Operates in 500+ communities spanning 35 local programs in over 23 countries, engaging approximately 150 million people
French EPODE pilot towns (2005–2009): ~9% drop in overweight/obesity compared to national trends
22% reduction in overweight among 3–6-year-olds vs control areas
90% of original communities in France remained engaged over five years; EPODE methodology adapted across continents
EIN provides strong central support—scientific boards, funding guidance, evaluation frameworks—based on qualitative feedback from 18 of 25 surveyed programmes
Core pillars—political commitment, resource mobilization, social marketing/communications, and evidence-driven evaluation—ensured multi-level action in schools, families, municipalities, and commercial sectors