The YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties, a cause-driven nonprofit charitable organization, celebrated its sixth year participating in the Healthy U program with its annual kick-off event, coinciding for the first time with National Food Day.
“Holding Healthy U school-year kick-off events demonstrates our annual recommitment to Healthy U while creating an exciting program for the kids who can see how much fun healthy living can be,” said Dana Collins, vice president of operations for YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties.
Healthy U is a collaborative partnership between the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance and the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey with the goal of combating childhood obesity through nutrition education, physical education and family involvement. It teaches children ages 3 to 13 how to be healthy for a lifetime by using the Coordinated Approach to Child Health or CATCH curriculum to promote physical activity and good nutrition demonstrating that eating healthy and being physically active every day can be fun.
“As one in three children are overweight or obese, they are at risk to developing serious health problems in adulthood. Through the Healthy U program, we can make a positive impact on youth and their families,” Collins said.
At the Mt. Laurel Health U kick-off, more than 35 children participated in lively CATCH activities including hula-hoop and parachute games. During circle time, children discussed healthy food choices in “go, slow and whoa” categories, and made a special snack, “Ants on a Log” with celery, peanut butter or cream cheese and raisins.
Healthy U has been a part of the YMCA after school program since 2008, and YMCA preschool-age programs since 2012. The school-based program incorporates the Healthy U curriculum in physical education, the classroom setting, the cafeteria, and throughout the school community. The philosophy is to promote, educate and create a culture for healthy living and help students make positive choices for physical activity and nutrition. The program also provides support to families for making good choices and lifestyle changes.
