Using a variety of committees and health programs, the MFC works to cultivate physical activity and emotional well-being as well as to educate residents on chronic health diseases and early intervention strategies.
MFC coordinator Andrea Bottiglieri said there are MFC organizations in cities across the state, with each of them unique to their municipality. However, she noted San Antonio’s MFC is one of the most robust.
“I’ve seen models across the state, and San Antonio probably has one of the strongest models,” Bottiglieri said.
The overview
Health initiatives were originally launched in 2009 after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded San Antonio $15.6 million through the Communities Putting Prevention to Work grant. Former Mayor Julian Castro used the grant to create a series of initiatives to spur residents to engage in healthier lifestyles.
These initiatives included a bike-share program, workshops, training tools and physical activity education for teachers at 361 schools and the installation of salad bars in 108 schools.
Bottiglieri said in 2010-11 the programs began to wind down due to a requirement for the grant funds to be spent. As a way to maintain these programs, Castro formed the MFC.
“[City officials] were trying to look for sustainable ways to keep [these initiatives] going,” Bottiglieri said. “Well, it just so happened that the Texas Department of State Health Services had an opportunity for mayors [to form] fitness councils.”
Since its formation, the MFC has grown into an umbrella organization with six separate committees and boards. These committees engage in a variety of health advocacy initiatives, including Mayor Ron Nirenberg’s Camino Verde—an event that highlights the city’s trail system—and Get Strong with Mayor Ron.
Bottiglieri said the MFC has changed over the years to include the formation of five internal committees as well as the San Antonio Business Group on Health.
“[The MFC] has evolved in such a way that it continues to meet the needs of the community,” Bottiglieri said.
The executive committee is composed of stakeholders within the city, including a representative from the mayor’s office, Bottiglieri, San Antonio Metropolitan Health District officials, and representatives from the YMCA and the San Antonio Food Bank. This committee steers the MFC’s mission each year and decides which initiatives to focus on.
Additionally, anyone can join the community committee, and the communications committee performs outreach activities.
The healthy schools committee includes administrators from all 15 Bexar County ISDs as well representatives from charter schools, private schools and a home school network.
Although SABGH is technically under the MFC umbrella, the group has its own operating board. MFC’s primary role for SABGH is to oversee its funds and sponsorships. SABGH hosts education forums and offers healthy workplace recognition opportunities.
Breaking down the Mayor’s Fitness Council:
- Executive committee: 35 members
- Strategic advisors: 7 former MFC chairs
- Community committee: 139 members
- Communications committee: 24 members
- Healthy schools committee: 58 members
- San Antonio Business Group on Health: 355 members
Zooming in
Bottiglieri said the student ambassador initiative is MFC’s flagship program. Sponsored by Metro Health, the program was created in 2011, launched in 2012, and accepts students from sixth through 11th grades. The program runs for a year and a half in total.
These students represent the MFC and implement health-related service projects. The program teaches skills such as planning, negotiation tactics and how to bring a plan to fruition.
Recently, the program graduated its 12th cohort and launched its 13th. After a student graduates from the program they become student mentors that help guide newer cohorts. Additionally, the MFC expanded the program to include fifth grade students as junior student ambassadors.
“At the end of the day with the kids, I’m really concerned about growing healthy leaders for San Antonio,” Bottiglieri said.
Student ambassador program:
Student mentors (eighth through 12th grade):
- 43 graduated student ambassadors
- 42 student ambassadors
- 31 schools campuses
- 10 Bexar County ISDs
- 55 student ambassadors
- 25 campuses
- 7 Bexar County ISDs
- 20 junior ambassadors
- 10 elementary school campuses
- 1 Bexar County ISD
Bottiglieri said one of the most important aspects of the MFC is creating pathways to award people for healthy habits.
“There’s nobody that’s awarding anyone for the good work that they’re doing. MFC is trying to fill that void,” Bottiglieri said.
To fill this gap, the MFC holds multiple events that highlight and celebrate San Antonians who have made contributions towards a healthier community. One such event is the annual breakfast held in December, which celebrates organizations and individuals.
Additionally, the MFC participates in the annual Community Challenge powered by the nonprofit Healthier Texas. The challenge is a statewide eight-week health and wellness competition where participants can track healthy actions, such as drinking water, eating fruit and vegetables, and exercising. Participants earn points for their city and log them in the community challenge app.
San Antonio has won the metro first place prize for nine out of 12 years and won the state championship two years in a row. To celebrate these achievements, the MFC holds the Public Health Fest in April, where the mayor and participants accept awards and trophies from the competition.
“San Antonio’s consistent success in the Community Challenge is a testament to the incredible work of the San Antonio Mayor’s Fitness Council, the strength of their partnerships, and the unwavering commitment of Mayor Nirenberg, whose leadership and motivation inspire year after year,” Healthier Texas CEO Jamie Williams said. “We are deeply grateful to work alongside such a dedicated community, united in prioritizing health and building a Healthier Texas for all.”
In 2024, San Antonio participants logged:
- 40,766 healthy meals
- 34,959 physical activities
- 2,368 high fives exchanged
- Totaling 15,487,523 points
