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
Statewide and County Fit & Healthy Kids Activities
- Safe Routes to School Program - The Vermont Safe Routes to School program is intended to benefit children in primary and middle schools (K-8). Safe Routes to School (SR2S) is about kids walking and biking to school: regularly, routinely, and safely. SR2S integrates elements of transportation, economics, health and physical activity, environmental awareness and safety into one program.
- SPARK (Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids) - This program promotes physical activity and provides funding to local out-of-school time programs for kids ages nine to 13. SPARK is a collaboration with the VOOST (Vermont Out of School Time) Network and the Department of Health.
- 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.
- Fit & Healthy Kids Seasonal Challenges
Encourages youth to "Move More, Eat your Colors (fruits and vegetables), and Turn it Off (TV and video games). This event helps raise awareness amoung youth, families, schools, and community - based organizations, about ways to improve diets and be more active on a daily basis.
- Fit WIC Vermont
Familiy-based intervention is the primary means to meet the Fit WIC goal of increasing active physical playtime for three and four year olds.