Our Approach

Action for Healthy Kids addresses childhood undernourishment, obesity and prevention by working with schools to help kids learn to eat right and be active every day. This focus is because of the unique position and influence that schools have on children and their families, in addition to their responsibility to provide nutrition and physical education and their many opportunities to promote healthy eating and active living.

However, we know that schools have a lot on their plates and they can’t “do it alone.” This is where Action for Healthy Kids comes in. We partner with families, community members, professionals and business to support schools in this effort. Our Commitment to Change outlines important steps that need to be taken to create healthier schools – and healthier kids.

Our approach is a unique one -- and, it’s sustainable, affordable and makes sense

Action for Healthy Kids helps school districts and schools, especially those without the resources, facilities and expertise to:

• improve the quality of food in schools;
• enhance nutrition education;
• improve physical education; and
• increase opportunities for kids to be active.

We provide programs and services and lead advocacy efforts to ensure that in school:

• all children learn healthy eating habits and the need for daily physical activity; and
• all children eat healthy foods and have daily physical activity.

Looking ahead

During 2009 - 2012, Action for Healthy Kids intends to support 10 million kids in 25,000 schools and 4,500 school districts. That’s nearly 1 out of 5 schools!

During the 2008-09 school year, Action for Healthy Kids reached nearly 4 million kids in 8,000 schools in 1,100 school districts! Our 2008 Annual Report provides additional insight and examples of our work.

Our approach includes the following activities:

• build partnerships with educators, health professionals, business, government and non-profit groups to accelerate change;

• educate school leaders, teachers, parents, students and many others about good nutrition, physical activity and the link to academic performance;

• conduct research to determine a community’s readiness to change;

• assess school needs for health, nutrition and physical activity;

• deploy national and local experts to help school districts and schools develop an action plan for health tailored to students’ needs;

• provide training to school staff, students and parents to implement the action plan;

• deliver information, programs, resources and community support to bring the action plan to life; and

• evaluate and promote success.

How do we do it?

• Staff – a small, but mighty national staff of 14 professionals with expertise in the fields of nutrition, physical activity, education, social justice and communications.
• Partnerships – A highly collaborative partnership network of more than 65 national organizations representing leaders in health, education, fitness, nutrition, governmental agencies, corporations and others who care about kids. They make many programs and resources possible.
• Members – The only national volunteer network of more than 11,000 professionals and others who care about kids, working in every state and the District of Columbia to improve the health of children and schools.
• With you! - We need the support of millions to create social change.  Consider getting involved whether you commit 1 or 30 hours a month.