What is the Healthi Kids initiative?
A community-based coalition advocating for five policy and practice changes:
- Better school food, community standards
Eliminating the availability of school foods that compete with the national school breakfast and lunch program, and mandating the development and execution of nutritional standards so all food available on school campuses is consistent with a set of community standards.
- Safer, more accessible play areas
Improving the safety of, and access to, recreational facilities, bike trails, parks and green spaces, while expanding after-hour access to schools and promoting safe play.
- Healthier food standards at pre-school and childcare centers
Developing and implementing nutrition standards for pre-schools, childcare centers and school-age childcare programs. Available food and drinks must comply with Dietary Guidelines for Americans or equivalent community standards.
- At least 45 minutes of in-school physical activity
Requiring schools to provide a minimum of 45 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity within the school day for K-12 grade students.
- Policies that support breastfeeding
Creating policies that are supportive of breastfeeding throughout the Greater Rochester community. Breastfed babies are more likely to become healthy-weight children.
This agenda for change was developed by the Healthi Kids Policy Team, a panel of health experts and community leaders convened by Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency.
Who is behind the advocacy campaign?
Healthi Kids is an initiative of Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency, with the support of its partner agencies:
The Greater Rochester Health Foundation is funding the effort as part of its long-term strategy to prevent obesity and overweight issues in children.
What does "Healthi Kids" stand for?
"Healthy Eating and Active Living Through policy and practice Initiatives for Kids"