What is the Fit & Healthy Kids Initiative?
Fit & Healthy Kids is a broad program for addressing issues of childhood obesity, nutrition and physical activity.
The Department of Health is working with the Department of Education to coordinate this initiative among state agencies including the Departments of Buildings and General Services, Transportation, and the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
- Department of Education
- Buildings and General Services
- Agency of Transportation
- Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
Other groups from around the state, such as health care, schools, business organizations, employers, and community groups are also involved in this joint effort.
National resources on childhood obesity
Fit & Healthy Kids Activities
- Fit & Healthy Kids Seasonal Challenges - Encourages youth to "Move More, Eat your Colors (fruits and vegetables), and Turn it Off (TV and video games). These events help raise awareness about ways to improve diets and be more active on a daily basis.
- Fit WIC Vermont - Resources to help families with young children (birth to age five years) increase their physical activity and have fun.
- Girls on Track - Formerly known as Run Girl Run, this year-round program uses games, interactive learning and training workouts to expose girls in grades six through eight to healthy lifestyle choices.
- Run Vermont - Youth running and activity programs, including Many Milers, Y.A.M. Scram, and Junior Youth Relay.
- Safe Routes to School - For children in grades K-8, Safe Routes to School is about walking and biking to school regularly, routinely, and safely.
- SPARK - Promotes physical activity and provides funding to local out-of-school time programs for kids ages 9 to 13. SPARK (Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids) is a collaboration with the VOOST Network (Vermont Out of School Time) and the Department of Health.