The American Dietetic Association Foundation and the General Mills Foundation, in partnership with President’s Challenge, are proud to announce the recipients of the 2006 Champions for Healthy Kids Grants. Fifty nonprofit community groups across the US, each in collaboration with a registered dietitian or registered dietetic technician, were awarded grants totaling $500,000 to support innovative programs to help children develop good nutrition and physical fitness habits that will last throughout their lives.
Listed by state, program name, organization and city.
Alabama
Healthy Kids: A Family Affair
O’Rourke Elementary School
Mobile, Alabama
Approximately 1,000 kids, ranging in age from 5 to 12 years old, will learn to make healthy food choices and be more active thanks to a pilot program at the elementary school. Activities will include after-school fitness clubs, rock climbing wall, adventure sports and a walking path. Students will learn the best beverage and snack choices and participate in a healthy foods tasting party. Parents and the community will be encouraged to get involved by attending a health fair and being active.
Arizona
Partners for Healthy Active Children, Companeros Para Ninos Sanos Y Activos
YMCA of Metropolitan Tucson
Tucson, Arizona
Approximately 1,400 kids, ages 8 to 10 years old, from a low-income, inner city Hispanic population will participate in the CATCH Kids Club taught by high school students at an elementary school or YMCA. The high school students will be trained by a registered dietitian and fitness professional. The kids will learn about fruits, vegetables and dairy products and will have the opportunity to try rock climbing, walking with a pedometer and other CATCH activities.
Arkansas
Head Start/Early Head Start Program
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Little Rock, Arkansas
Approximately 1,000 kids, ages 3 to 5 years old, from a low-income African-American population will participate in Color Me Healthy through their Head Start Program. Kids will be given an hour of out door activity time each day plus additional structured aerobic activity. Kids will learn to identify different food groups, taste new and colorful foods and will understand where food comes from. Cooking demonstrations will be provided to get the kids interested in healthy snacks.
California
ENRG Campaign
Strategic Health Communications
Santa Cruz, California
Approximately 4,000 kids, ranging in age from 12 to 18 years old, from two rural, low-income primarily Hispanic high schools will take part in this comprehensive peer education program that includes entertainment based peer workshops, a promotional campaign and community events. A registered dietitian will train and advise the teen educators in Dole 5-A-Day curriculum. Students will be involved in physical activity through a pedometer dance contest and walking challenge.
Healthy Hawks
Generations Community Wellness Centers
San Jose, California
Approximately 1,000 kids, ranging in age from 10 to 13 years old, in this predominantly Hispanic, low-income and inner city community will become nutrition and fitness advocates for their families through after school programs. A registered dietitian and others will train San Jose State student interns to teach the Healthy Hawks nutrition and fitness curriculum to the kids. Through this program, school officials hope to increase the percentage of kids who pass the mandated Fitness Gram assessment.
Healthy Weight Healthy Futures: A Parent-to-Parent Cross-Training Model
Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
Palo Alto, California
Approximately 140 kids, ranging in age from 3 to 5 years old, will participate, through their Head Start Program, in Animal Trackers, Latino 5-A-Day, Hip-Hop to Health Jr. and Healthy Start. This population of low-income Hispanic parents will also learn to cook culturally appropriate healthy meals and strategies to keep their whole family active through monthly meetings with Stanford staff and a registered dietitian.
Salud! Compre, Cocine, Coma (Health! Buy, Cook, Eat — Nutrition Workshops for Parents)
Smart Start Child Development Center
Ojai, California
Approximately 150 kids, ages 2 to 5 years old, in this low-income, Hispanic population will benefit from SPARK being added to their preschool curriculum. In addition, a registered dietitian, fitness professional and medical doctors will hold several parent workshops. The kids will learn about and taste healthy foods and will have extra time for physical activity. Parents will be able to show off their new nutrition knowledge at a healthy family potluck.
THINK for Student Health
THINK Together
Santa Ana, California
Approximately 2,000 kids, ages 6 to 12 years old, from this low-income, Hispanic population will participate in the CATCH Kids Club after school program. A registered dietitian will oversee dietetic technician students who will develop the nutrition curriculum. Kids will be allowed time for a variety of physical activities and team sports. Kids will learn important nutrition information that they are not learning elsewhere.
Colorado
Health Nuts
Metro Community Provider Network (MCPN)
Englewood, Colorado
Approximately 3,000 kids, ages 5 to 13 years old, will participate in the Health Nuts Program during elementary school. The program has been piloted and is ready for expansion. The program includes bulletin board ideas, healthy snack parties, lunch patrol, walking contests and exercise spotlights. The kids will learn to read food labels and choose healthy snacks, meals and beverages. Curriculum packets will be critiqued by a registered dietitian and distributed to schools for implementation.
Disctrict of Columbia
Fruit and Fitness
DC Department of Health/DC WIC
Washington, DC
Approximately 720 African-American and Hispanic kids, ages 2 to 5, from a low income, inner city community will learn to eat more fruits and vegetables and replace TV watching with physical activity. Using Animal Trackers and FIT WIC curriculum, the staff registered dietitian will teach classes and run activities. Parents will learn to use and prepare fruits and vegetables, and the kids will learn where those foods come from by visiting a local community garden.
Florida
Second Harvest Food Bank Kids Café — Feeding Body & Mind
Lutheran Social Services Second Harvest Food Bank
Jacksonville, Florida
Approximately 300 kids, ages 6 to 20 years old, from an African-American community in inner city Jacksonville will participate in an 8 week course, led by registered dietitians from the Mayo Clinic, to learn to identify fruits and vegetables and add activity into their daily routine. Hour-long classes will be taught during an after school program in conjunction with the Food Bank Kids Café. The program will serve three sites with potential to expand.
Georgia
Eating Right and Keeping Fit in the Boro
Boys & Girls Club of Bulloch County
Statesboro, Georgia
Approximately 600 kids, ranging in age from 6 to 18 years old, will attend hour-long lessons three times a week at the Boys & Girls Club in this rural African-American community that has a high incidence of poverty. A registered dietitian and fitness professional with work with club staff to implement Dole 5-A-Day, FitnessGram, SPARK and USDA Team Nutrition curriculum. In addition, time for active play, aerobics and fitness classes will be offered. Parents will be invited to food workshops where they can learn to cook with vegetables and whole grains.
Positive-Choice Soccer
Soccer in the Streets
Atlanta, Georgia
Approximately 1,000 kids, ranging in age from 6 to 16 years old, from inner-city Atlanta will learn that positive choices about fitness and nutrition will benefit them both on and off the soccer field. A registered dietitian will prepare weekly nutrition lessons and will train staff. Kids will learn what beverages and foods are important for hydration and energy while learning soccer skills and enjoying competition. Healthy snacks will also be provided.
Illinois
Get Smart at Edgemont
East Side Health District
East St. Louis, Illinois
Approximately 300 kids, ages 6 to 11, at Edgemont Elementary School in this African-American, inner city community will learn to make better food choices and move more. Staff will be trained to use CATCH curriculum. Students will be encouraged to participate in school breakfast, eat more fruits and vegetables at lunch and avoid unhealthy snacks and fast food. More gym equipment will be purchased to encourage the kids to be more physically active.
McAuliffe Champions
University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Nursing
Chicago, Illinois
Approximately 840 kids, ranging in age from 5 to 12 years old, from a low-income, inner-city Hispanic population will take part in a program at their elementary school that promotes healthy food choices and physical activity using Take 10!, OrganWise Guys and Walk Across Illinois curriculum. The nutrition lessons will be developed by a registered dietitian and will be taught by a nutritionist/AmeriCorps member.
Indiana
Committed to Kids
Clarian Health Partners
Indianapolis, Indiana
Approximately 2,500 kids, ages 9 to 13, in this primarily African-American, inner city community will learn about nutrition, behavior management and physical activity through 10 sessions taught at four middle schools. A registered dietitian and fitness professional will plan lessons, train teachers and evaluate participants. This project serves as a pilot program which may be expanded to serve more schools.
Fit WIC Activity Kit: Play Time Tricks & Carrot Sticks
St. Joseph County WIC Program
South Bend, Indiana
Approximately 1,300 kids, ages 3 to 5 years old, will benefit from Fit WIC Activity Kits that will be developed for kids and their parents. The kits will include age appropriate activity ideas, healthy recipes and nutrition materials. Kids will get to sample healthy snacks, fruits and vegetables while at the WIC Program. Kids will also be allowed 60 minutes of physical activity time each day.
We Can! Enhancing Children’s Activity & Nutrition
Purdue University- Purdue Extension- Marion County
Indianapolis, Indiana
Approximately 1,000 kids, ranging in age from 7 to 12 years old, in an underserved, low-income, primarily African-American community will participate in after school programs that emphasize good nutrition and physical activity habits. Using CATCH, We Can!, and Professor Popcorn curriculum, a registered dietitian will train staff and oversee family events. Kids will have the opportunity to try new activities such as yoga, walking with pedometers and dance.
Kentucky
ReCharge Western Kentucky!
Kentucky Action for Healthy Kids
Louisville, Kentucky
Approximately 1,000 kids, ranging in age from 8 to 11 years old, will participate in ReCharge! during after school programs. A registered dietitian will develop training materials, and after school staff in eight rural counties will be trained to use the curriculum which educates and motivates kids to make healthy choices, set goals and work as a team. Kids will work together playing football based activities designed by the NFL.
Step Up to Health through the National Recreation & Park Association
Paducah Park Services
Paducah, Kentucky
Approximately 300 low-income African-American kids, ranging in age from 5 to 14 years old, will participate in a community initiative to raise awareness and improve overall nutrition and fitness habits. Nutrition seminars, family fun days and fitness classes will be provided by a registered dietitian and fitness professional. Kids will be given structured physical activities through after school and day camps including activities such as walking, running, yoga, jump rope and dance.
Take 10!
Pendleton County Education Foundation
Falmouth, Kentucky
Approximately 1,300 kids, ages 6 to 12 years old, in this rural school district will have Take 10! and Organwise Guys curriculum incorporated into their daily classroom routine. Classroom teachers will be trained to use the curriculum and take ten minutes, three times a day for physical activity in the classroom. This program will be sustained for years to come and may be expanded to other local school districts.
Maryland
Healthy Kids, Healthy You: Promoting Healthy Habits in Child Care
Lower Shore Child Care Resource Center at Salisbury University
Salisbury, Maryland
Approximately 275 kids, ranging in age from 2 to 6 years old, will learn to enjoy healthier snacks and spend more time in active play. A registered dietitian and fitness professional will teach child care providers from 4 child care centers how to incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains and milk into children’s snacks. The training seminar will be taped and aired on a local cable channel to reach a broader audience. The kids will be encouraged to walk and to stretch with yoga techniques.
Michigan
Healthy U Nutrition Carnivals
YMCA of Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Approximately 1,000 kids, ages 6 to 12 years old, and their families from a multi-racial, low-income, inner city population will participate in one of several nutrition carnivals presented by the YMCA’s Healthy U program. Kids will have the opportunity to learn about nutrition and fitness in a fun and interactive setting. Health profiles from a POLAR Tri Fit computer will be available along with games such as Tae Bo Bingo and yoga for kids. Participants will taste test new fruits and vegetables, learn to read food labels and learn about My Pyramid.
Minnesota
Go the Extra Mile — Cleveland
Cleveland Junior High
St. Paul, Minnesota
Approximately 450 kids, ranging in age from 11 to 14 years old, from this high poverty city area with a diverse ethnic make up will learn the basics of good nutrition and physical fitness in daily sessions. Using Dairy Council and President’s Challenge curriculum, a registered dietitian will teach classes for children and their parents. Kids will have the opportunity to make healthy snacks and experience new avenues for physical fitness including yoga and Dance Dance Revolution.
Mississippi
Get Healthy Now! My Life, My Health, My Choice
Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi
Hernando, Mississippi
Approximately 800 kids, ages 3 to 5 years old, in this predominantly African-American community will incorporate good nutrition and physical activity into their day at preschool. Staff will be trained to use SPARK curriculum with a registered dietitian overseeing the nutrition component of the program. Each daily lesson will introduce a new fruit or vegetable, and parents will be asked to participate with their children through take-home fitness and nutrition activities.
Trek Across America
Oxford Elementary School
Oxford, Mississippi
Approximately 750 kids, ranging in age from 7 to 10 years old, will learn about the importance of good nutrition and physical activity in their daily lives. A walking trail and par course will be built and curriculum will be developed for kids to explore states in the US and taste healthy native foods. Dietetics students and student athletes from local universities will assist as mentors. Students will participate in walking challenges, learn about the My Pyramid Guide and learn label reading in a mock grocery store.
New Mexico
Sandoval County Health Commons
Family Support Program
Bernalillo, New Mexico
Approximately 3,000 kids, ranging in age from 2 to 5 years old, in a largely low-income, Hispanic area will participate through WIC Clinics with their parents in nutrition education and hands on cooking classes modeled after Kids Cook. Gardening and visits to the farmer’s market will help emphasize the use of fresh fruits and vegetables. Parents will be encouraged to model physically active lifestyles for their kids.
New York
F.A.A.N. (Fostering Adolescent Activity & Nutrition)
Dutchess County YMCA
Poughkeepsie, New York
Approximately 800 kids, ranging in age from 5 to 14 years old, will learn how to develop a healthy spirit, mind and body through after school programs and family activities. A fitness professional and registered dietitian will use CATCH curriculum and will train all staff. Cooking and nutrition classes will be offered for parents and families. Kids will have access to the YMCA for a variety of physical activities including swimming, team sports, walking, rock climbing and yoga.
Family Weight Management Program
Jacobi Medical Center/Family Weight Management Program
Bronx, New York
Approximately 700 kids, ranging in age from 3 to 18 years old, in this Hispanic and African-American inner city community will participate in weekly, two hour sessions. Using Dole 5-A-Day and SPARK curriculum, a registered dietitian will conduct nutrition assessments, lead classes and give food demonstrations and market tours. Weekly fitness classes will offer traditional activities as well as dance, kickboxing, karate and other specialty lessons.
Healthy Families, Healthy Kids Program
Yeled V’Yalda Early Childhood Center, Inc.
Brooklyn, New York
Approximately 3,000 kids, ages 2 to 5 years old, from a low-income, inner city population will participate in nutrition and fitness activities with their parents using CATCH curriculum. Parents will be encouraged to walk their kids to school and do other physical activities together. Family events will be offered along with significant nutrition education taught by registered dietitians. Focus will be on being healthy and preventing childhood obesity.
Healthy Schools in Motion
New York Presbyterian Hospital
New York, New York
Approximately 800 kids, ages 5 to 10 years old, in two East Harlem elementary schools will take part in a school-wide initiative to increase healthy eating and exercise. In this African-American and Hispanic community, kids will be encouraged to participate in the breakfast program and be more active using CATCH, SPARK and NY Road Runner Foundation Mileage Club programs. A registered dietitian will train teachers and parents about nutrition, strengthening the sustainability of the program.
Movimeinto y Alegria ~ Movement & Joy
New York State Federation of Growers’ & Processors’ Association, Inc.
Hyde Park, New York
Approximately 120 kids, ranging in age from 2 to 5 years old, in this rural Hispanic community will be reached through a Head Start Program. A registered dietitian will train staff, parents and the cook about exemplary nutrition for preschoolers. With added room for bike riding, the kids will have increased time daily for activity and play. Animal Trackers and USDA Team Nutrition curriculum will be used.
North Carolina
Five-a-Day in Every Way!
Bladen Lakes Primary School
Elizabethtown, North Carolina
Approximately 400 kids, ranging in age from 4 to 11 years old, will participate in the Dole 5-a-Day program through class room sessions four days a week. A registered dietitian will instruct parents and teachers about the program and will establish a healthy snack shack where kids can purchase healthy snacks at school. Parents and teachers in this rural community will help build a fitness area and walking trail that both kids and the community will use daily.
Middle Fork Mariners Walking & Wellness Program
Middle Fork Elementary School
Walkertown, North Carolina
Approximately 600 kids, ranging in age from 5 to 12 years old, will take part in this school-wide program to promote healthy choices for kids. Using Chartwells Balanced Choices Program and installing a nature trail and exercise stations, kids will learn to read nutrition labels, eat only healthy snacks at school, stay hydrated with water during the day and stay active with a variety of activity choices including gardening, walking, recess, sports and game clubs. A registered dietitian will plan school meals to include healthier choices.
Ohio
Healthy Ohioans-Buckeye Best Healthy Schools
Ohio Department of Health
Columbus, Ohio
Approximately 1,000 kids, ages 6 to 13 years old, from rural schools that scored below satisfactory in nutrition and physical activity assessments will learn about nutrition and fitness using CATCH and USDA Team Nutrition curriculum. Registered dietitians will train school staff who, in turn, will teach the students. Focus will be on healthy meals and snacks and incorporating activity into the whole day.
SMART! (Students Making A Realistic Transformation)
Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District: Monticello Middle School
Cleveland Heights, Ohio
Approximately 550 kids, ages 11 to 13, in this primarily African-American community will participate for 40 minutes daily in a program taught at their middle school modeled after the President’s Challenge. A registered dietitian will train health teachers and teach student classes. Students will be offered a wide variety of physical activities including open gym, circuit training, weightlifting, running and swimming. The kids will be encouraged personally by learning their BMI and setting individualized goals.
Oklahoma
It’s All About Kids!
Tulsa Public Schools
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Approximately 650 kids, ages 11 to 13 years old, from a multi-racial, inner-city population will participate in nutrition and fitness education incorporated into their school day. This program builds on curriculum taught in the Tulsa elementary schools. Fitness activities include walking contests, a bike race, GeoMotion and yoga. Kids will learn about My Pyramid, Dole 5-A-Day, 3-A-Day of Dairy, healthy beverage and restaurant choices and more.
Pennsylvania
Fitness for Life
Glade Run Lutheran Services
Zelienople, Pennsylvania
Approximately 700 kids, from 6 to 18 years old, who suffer from mental illnesses, will learn life skills of good nutrition and fitness habits. Residents and students will have one-on-one counseling with a registered dietitian, and a fitness instructor will help the kids participate activities that are both therapeutic and enjoyable. This grant will supplement current efforts at the center and provide for a new, permanent fitness center for both kids and staff.
Wellsville, Inc.
WellFit, Inc.
Erie, Pennsylvania
Approximately 8,000 kids, ranging in age from 3 to 15 years old, will participate in Wellsville, a comprehensive program presented through schools that promotes healthy lifestyles. A registered dietitian will deliver nutrition information and healthy food choices. Middle school mentors will help deliver the program to K-3rd graders. Parents will be encouraged to get involved with their kids’ activities through take-home materials and a web site.
South Carolina
Anderson YMCA After School & Day Camp
Anderson Area YMCA
Anderson, South Carolina
Approximately 650 kids, ranging in age from 5 to 14 years old, will participate throughout the year in twice-weekly fitness and nutrition learning sessions through after school and day camp programs at the YMCA. A registered dietitian will meet with the kids on a bi-weekly basis. YMCA counselors will use Hearts N Parks curriculum, and the kids will be offered abundant opportunities to try activities such as a climbing wall, swimming, adventure sports, dance, aerobics and walking.
Kids in Motion
South Carolina Department of Health & Environmental Control Region 7
North Charleston, South Carolina
Approximately 550 kids, ranging in age from 8 to 12 years old, in this African-American and multiracial community will participate in Kids in Motion in after school programs. Staff will be trained to use USDA Team Nutrition curriculum. Kids will learn how to make healthy food choices and will be encouraged to participate in physical activities they enjoy. This ongoing program will benefit from the added staff training and curriculum.
Move More, Eat Smart
Partners for Active Living
Spartanburg, South Carolina
Approximately 4,000 kids, ranging in age from 4 to 10 years old, will increase their physical activity during recess and class time and learn about nutrition on a weekly basis. Using Color Me Healthy curriculum, students will learn to eat a variety of colorful foods. Classroom teachers will be trained to use pedometers with the kids on a regular basis and to include destinations, contests and incentives. Parents will be encouraged to get involved through a newsletter and including kids during meal preparation.
Tennessee
Cannon County CATCH (Children, Adults Together Choose Health)
Cannon County Board of Education
Woodbury, Tennessee
Approximately 1,500 kids, between the ages of 5 and 14 years old, in this rural community will learn how to make healthy food choices and practice being more physically active. A registered dietitian and fitness professional will train PE and classroom teachers to use CATCH curriculum, and teachers will give weekly lessons to the kids. A healthy snack cart will also be provided so healthy snacks are readily available.
Texas
Healthy Change
The Children’s Shelter
San Antonio, Texas
Approximately 1,400 kids, ranging in age from 5 to 12 years old, who are residing in the emergency shelter will develop healthy activity and nutrition habits. This primarily Hispanic population is low income and shares a variety of special needs. Recreation time will be approached as an opportunity for therapy and building self-esteem, and general nutrition and portion control will be taught by a registered dietitian. A local fitness facility, Home Court America, will provide recreation space.
Kids Café Five Minute Fitness
South Plains Food Bank
Lubbock, Texas
Approximately 1,000 kids, ranging in age from 5 to 17 years old, from low-income Hispanic and African-American families will receive regular fitness and nutrition education through the Kids Café. Kids will participate in Five Minute Fitness classes, Kids Café Kids Cook lessons, field trips to the food bank garden and healthy meals and snacks. The program will be kicked off at a high profile community event, furthering support for the program.
Virginia
Be Healthy for Life
Charles City Elementary School
Charles City, Virginia
Approximately 300 kids, between the ages of 5 and 12 years old, in this rural and primarily African-American community will learn through weekly classes using CATCH and Take 10 curriculum. A registered dietitian will work with the PE teacher to provide a weekly healthy snack, which the kids will make. Parents will get involved by attending a Health Education Concert. Time will be provided for increased physical activity including dance, walking, weight lifting and active play.
I am Moving, I am Learning
Community Improvement Council, Inc. — Head Start
Danville, Virginia
Approximately 200 kids, ages 3 to 5, from this inner city, high poverty, African-American community will increase their physical activity levels and learn to make better family food choices. In sessions four times a week, kids will be allowed up to 60 minutes of organized physical activity time including activities like gardening, tricycling, walking and active play. Parents will be educated about healthy shopping, meal preparation and menus.
Washington
Hip-2-Be-Fit
Oak Harbor Middle School
Oak Harbor, Washington
Approximately 700 kids, ages 11 to 14 years old, will increase their physical activity and nutrition knowledge in an after-school program in this rural/military community. Using FitnessGram curriculum, a registered dietitian and fitness professional will provide instructions for the participants’ individual nutrition and fitness plans. The grant will provide for pedometers and bicycles to be purchased as encouraged physical activities.
Youth & Teen Center Exercise Extreme
Wenatchee Valley YMCA
Wenatchee, Washington
Approximately 300 kids, ages 6 to 15 years old, from this rural community will participate in this program of nutrition education and physical activity. The program includes two family nights, healthy snacks and cooking demonstrations. Kids will have the opportunity to try activities such as rock climbing, using a pedometer, swimming and active play. A registered dietitian will present nutrition information as a guest speaker.
Wisconsin
Project Grow!
Friends of Troy Gardens
Madison, Wisconsin
Approximately 350 kids, ranging in age from 8 to 11 years old, will participate in this program offered at a community children’s garden in the city. The majority of the kids are African-American and all are from the city. A dietetic technician will develop curriculum incorporating gardening, nutrition and physical activity. Kids will learn where produce comes from and how to prepare it for snacks and meals. Emphasis will be on increasing fruit and vegetable intake and walking as a healthy activity.