What is the problem facing kids today?

There are staggering figures that describe the state of emergency that is childhood obesity.  For instance, more than 23 million American children (or nearly one in every three) are overweight or obese.  The current generation of children in America has shorter life expectancies than their parents.  Additionally, one in three American children born in 2000 will develop diabetes if they adopt the nation’s inactive and overeating lifestyle.

In Virginia, obesity rates have been increasing as well:

• In 2007, 31% of children ages 10 to 17 were considered overweight or obese.

• 15.2% of those children were considered obese.

• Compared to other states, Virginia ranked 27th in overall prevalence.

How can we help?

Currently in the Richmond region, there is no organization that is solely focused on improving children's health and reducing childhood obesity.  Fit4Kids was created to be the organization that addresses the problems facing children in the Richmond region and coordinates the effort of other community partners to more effectively take part in this fight for the health and wellness of kids.  The overall objective of Fit4Kids is to improve the health and wellness of children by increasing physical activity and promoting proper nutrition. 

Fit4Kids News

• Chesterfield school gets growing with outdoor garden

• September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month; Read President Obama’s proclamation here

• March 15, 2011 Greater Richmond Aquatics Partnership announced

• March 14, 2011 Richmond Times Dispatch

• February 13, 2011 Richmond Times Dispatch

• July 2010 SBQ
  

 

 

Click here for helpful resources related to childhood obesity, physical activity and nutrition.

• March is National Nutrition Month. Learn more about it here.
• Chesterfield County school teacher named nation's top health teacher

Fit4Kids is a donor-supported organization that received funding from individuals, companies and foundations.  Your support of Fit4Kids will help us to improve the health and wellness of children by providing resources and programs to improve physical activity and promote proper nutrition. To make a donation, please contact Rachel Harms.

What's next for Fit4Kids?

Greater Richmond Fit4Kids is excited to announce the 2012 Healthy Kids grant program! These mini-grants will provide funding up to $1,000 to public and private schools interested in implementing innovative physical activity and/or nutrition activities either during or after the school day during the 2012-2013 school year. The deadline for applications is Friday, May 18th.  Click here for the application. 

Fit4Kids is on Facebook!