The Reducing Obesity Coalition of St. Joseph County (ROC) developed from a group of individuals who had attended an obesity summit at the University of Notre Dame in August 2006. Individuals from 13 organizations gathered in response to the growing rates of obesity in adults and children in Indiana. The first meeting of coalition hosted the Indiana State Health Commissioner, Dr. Judy Monroe who discussed obesity in Indiana and St. Joseph County. It was decided that the St. Joseph County Health Department would lead the coalition and 7 sub-committees were developed. The coalition has accomplished tasks such as, hosting an INShape Indiana Health Summit, hosting the Sister City Challenge, providing segments for local TV news shows highlighting healthy habits, and receiving the Rodney F. Ganey, Ph.D. Collaborative Community-Based Research Mini-Grant Award which helped the coalition better understand the placement of healthy food options for those most at risk for obesity.

In May 2008, under the decision of the St. Joseph County Health Department and members of ROC, the coalition underwent an extensive reorganization process to continue the momentum and impact in St. Joseph County. In November 2008, the coalition re-grouped and came back stronger and more eager for success in reducing overweight and obesity in adults and children living in St. Joseph County.

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