ORISKANY — Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County has kicked off its Monday Mile initiative, hoping to help people get active and educated.

On Aug. 8, the CCE started their day with a Monday Mile, inspired by the Monday Campaign’s “Move it Monday!” program. Started in association with the John Hopkins Center, the Monday campaigns began in 2003 to promote a fresh start mindset and include a variety of wellness topics.

Carol Watkins, the Nutrition Issue Leader at the OCCCE, said the Monday Mile is part of the SNAP-ED. And SNAP-ED is to help those who qualify for SNAP benefits by providing nutrition education and promoting active lifestyles.

CCE Oneida’s SNAP-Ed Nutrition Program works with families and community agencies to educate, empower, and support change around healthy eating and physical activity and led the Monday Mile start-up.

“We’re trying to address barriers to eating healthy and being physically active and we hope the Monday Mile will encourage people to be more active,” Watkins said.

Barriers can be anything like a lack of healthy and fresh food choices in the area or a lack of safe areas to be physically active. “The SNAP-ED program is dedicated to addressing these barriers by offering technical assistance for establishing the Monday Mile challenge,” CCE officials wrote in a release.

It’s recommended that Americans get two and a half hours a week of physical activity. Though, many people have difficulty setting aside time to stay active.

When asked about those who might not be able to find time to exercise when working a full-time job, Watkins said even just 10 minutes of activity at a time is better than none at all.

“Some people think that you to go for a 10 mile run to be active,” Watkins said. “But getting up and taking a one mile walk taking around 20 minutes is an easy way to make simple changes to their lives.”

In the workplace, the CCE is encouraging employers to help their employees find time to be active and making small changes, like healthy food options in vending machines.

The goal is to encourage partner agencies working with SNAP-ED in surrounding areas to join in the Monday mile movement and increase physical activity in their communities. Community settings play a significant role in promoting or inhibiting healthy behaviors.

The Monday Mile offers a way to help people and their community start a new routine that can lead to healthier habits in the future.

With installation by the town of Whitestown, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida and Oneida County DPW placed signs around the CCEOC office and 2nd Street to provide a loop to complete a mile.

“We’re looking to help people do what they need to be their healthiest self and for their mental health,” Watkins said.