The mayor believes three initiatives will promote better access to healthy foods and maintaining active lifestyles for Brooklyn residents.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg unveiled the plan last week, saying many families are not getting their hands on fresh produce. "That deficiency along with what is too often a highly sedentary lifestyle contributes significantly to the high rates of diabetes and obesity in parts of our city," he said.

The program includes making child food benefits available on the Access NYC Web site. Low-income families can now sign up for the nutritional Women, Infants and Children program as well as children's school meals. A partnership between the city and local groups such as Transportation Alternatives ? backed by a $500,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation ? was also announced.

"To get that recognition from the Kellogg Foundation really sends the message that we in New York City are leading and blazing a trail as it relates to reducing hunger," City Council Speaker Christine Quinn said.

Bloomberg also announced families will now be able to sign up for food stamps online. Officials say that initiative is already posting 90 percent success rates.

Related information:Food stamp sign up:Hanson Place Campaign Against Hunger15 Hanson PlaceBrooklyn, NY 11217