Generations - Working Together to Prevent Childhood Obesity

Generations Working Together to Prevent Childhood Obesity

Text Box: Who we are.....
Childhood obesity is a serious health epidemic. Over the past three decades, rates of obesity in the United States have more than doubled among children ages 2 to 5 and more than tripled among those ages 6 to 11. Roughly 9 million kids are considered obese, and the health consequences are already apparent.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is committed to tackling this pressing threat to the health of our nation's children and families. Our goal is to halt the rise in childhood obesity rates by promoting physical activity and healthy eating in schools and communities throughout the country. We place special emphasis on reaching children at greatest risk: African-American, Hispanic, Native American and Asian/Pacific Islander children living in low-income communities.
In response to the growing risk of overweight and obesity among low-income children, RWJF has created Generations Working to Prevent Childhood Obesity, a pilot project for its Active for Life grantees. Four Active for Life grantees have received awards to prevent and/or reduce childhood obesity by changing policies and environments through and intergenerational approach. These efforts will promote physical activity and health eating, particularly among low-income children and their families.
Through these grants, RWJF seeks to identify promising strategies to prevent and reduce obesity among children at highest risk.

Text Box: Grantee Highlight: Hamilton County Public Health, Hamilton County, Ohio
Hamilton County Public Health works with schools to implement environmental changes that increase access to nutritious foods. One school in particular, Taylor High School, has a breakfast program in place but participation has been statistically low. In an effort to increase participation in the school breakfast program, the district School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) created the Taylor Bee-stro (their mascot is the yellow jacket), which is located in an atrium outside of the cafeteria. Students that choose to sit in the Bee-stro have full access to cafeteria foods, as well as coffee and specialty items prepared by the food service staff. The Bee-stro not only provides students with a nutritious breakfast to begin their academic day, but it also offers a safe location to listen to music and socialize with other students and school staff. The Taylor Bee-stro opened during the week of Ohio Graduation Testing. Food service staff provided incentives to students in an effort to introduce the new concept. The SHAC is pleased with the results thus far. Breakfast participation increased over 122% in the first two weeks and continues to grow as the Bee-stro gains popularity. Further evaluation is still being conducted.
For additional information, contact Rebecca Laake at rebecca.laake@hamilton-co.org.

Text Box: Resource of the Month
The Preventive Medicine Institute and the MetLife Foundation present the Healthy GrandFamilies Initiative "Giving Grandparents a Hand" Workshops. Six online video presentation workshops include topics regarding healthy supermarket choices, healthy eating, and physical activity. These workshops discuss how grandparents can interact with their grandchildren making positive impacts and setting worthwhile examples. To access these workshops click here.