Healthy Kids Challenge Teams up with Field Trip Factory

Chicago, IL. – February, 2008 – Healthy Kids Challenge and Field Trip Factory recently formed a partnership that offers robust, relevant and health-focused programs for children in schools, extracurricular programs and community-based groups across the country.

“This partnership will strengthen our connection with communities,” says Susan Singer, founder of Field Trip Factory (FTF). “Together, we can influence children’s healthy decisions and really have an impact that lasts a lifetime.” Vickie James, RD, LD, founder and director of Healthy Kids Challenge (HKC) adds, “This collaboration truly raises the bar in guiding communities to make healthy living a habit for kids and their families.”

Learning that Works
Since 2001, FTF has been offering hands-on learning programs for kids that turn communities into classrooms. These free field trips support basic classroom curriculum and important life skills while engaging and entertaining at age-appropriate levels. Trips focus on topics of health and wellness, animal welfare, auto safety, sustainability and the environment, literacy and more. “It’s been proven that applying learning in real-life situations increases retention as much as 85% and has direct impact on attitudes and behavior,” explains Singer.

Healthy Kids Challenge (HKC) is led by a team of registered, licensed dietitians who have dedicated their careers to creating and implementing community programs which highlight wellness through sound eating habits. “We’ve always looked at current-day practices and used those to address local wellness issues in schools and community-based groups,” says Vickie L. James, RD, LD, Healthy Kids Challenge director. “Now, in working with Field Trip Factory, we’ll provide increased opportunities for meeting the health needs of children.”

Combining HKC’s successful multilevel approach of assistance to schools, programs and communities with FTF’s expertise in experience-based education and engaging activities will result in more opportunities for kids in any community to learn about healthy choices. Specifically, this partnership can provide experiences that motivate and guide children toward integrating wise eating habits and physical activity into their daily lives. “Together, we’ll offer programs built on community resources that stress how good eating and exercise should be part of your lifestyle,” says Singer. “We’re working together to fight the negative trends. Children who enjoy a healthy lifestyle improve their quality of life and reduce risks of chronic disease right now as well as later in life.” With childhood obesity rates skyrocketing, it’s crucial to help today’s youth learn to lead healthier lives, regardless of whether they are themselves.

KidLinks™ Welcome
What is a KidLink™? These are adults who have the opportunity to be a role model and influence the choices children make about eating and staying active. A KidLink™ might be a parent, teacher, school staff member, coach, club or troop leader, or a community or faith-based youth leader. “Our focus is on any adult influencers of children that can help them make healthy decisions about eating and physical activity,” says James. FTF and HKC assist KidLinks™ with educational materials, support and guidance to help them share advice with the children they influence, as well as for their own personal health and wellness. “Working through KidLinks™ has several benefits,” Singer points out. “Together we will be able to influence healthy decisions in the community as a whole and strengthen the messages of good health that children receive.”

Do-It-Yourself Programs
Teachers and other KidLinks™ will find many opportunities to combine the educational field trips offered by FTF with the pre- and post-trip materials provided by HKC. “We want to let people know about the quality resources available,” says James. “The best way to find out what we offer, and what Field Trip Factory offers, is to review the Web sites and see what addresses your specific needs.” Information on each organization and the programs they offer, including how to get started, is available online. For FTF, visit www.fieldtripfactory.com, and for HKC, visit www.healthykidschallenge.com.

Healthy Kids Challenge – AstraZeneca
Back-to-School Campaign Motivates Children and Parents to Embrace “Habits for Health”

Dighton, KS. and Wilmington, DE. - September 10, 2007 – Beginning this month, a new educational campaign will teach children ages 6-12, healthy habits both at home and at school. Through a partnership with Healthy Kids Challenge and AstraZeneca, “Habits for Health” will provide 250 schools, as well as students’ families, with resources and support tools that promote healthy eating and physical activity. As part of the campaign, a fun and unique interactive contest called Ready, Set, Cook and Eat will be held at two lucky elementary schools to encourage children to eat better. “Habits for Health” will also help children and families understand a common medical condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

“Nutritious meals, portion control, and physical activity are fundamentals of living a healthy lifestyle,” said Vickie James, registered and licensed dietitian and director of Healthy Kids Challenge. “Our goal is to empower schools and families to make healthy behavior a priority and to help children integrate these habits into their everyday routines.”

Embracing healthy habits has benefits beyond fighting childhood obesity. Healthy eating and physical activity can help fight common childhood diseases such as asthma and diabetes, and may even reduce symptoms of GERD. The exact prevalence of GERD in children is unknown. However, GERD can lead to potentially serious complications like failure to thrive and erosive esophagitis in children. There are very few studies in the medical literature reporting the frequency of GERD symptoms in children. In one study, researchers estimate children ages 3-17 years old reported GERD symptoms roughly 2-8% of the time.

Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (the valve separating the esophagus and stomach) does not close properly, allowing acid to back up into the esophagus. Almost everyone has occasional heartburn, but if these symptoms occur two or more days a week, it may be a sign of GERD. GERD is a chronic condition resulting from the backflow of stomach acid into the food-pipe (esophagus) that may lead to more serious medical conditions including failure to thrive and esophageal inflammation if left untreated. Symptoms in children with GERD may vary according to age. In addition to heartburn, children with GERD may experience sour or bitter taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, weight loss, vomiting, regurgitation and abdominal pain.

“With childhood obesity on the rise, it’s no surprise that we’re seeing GERD in young children more than ever before,” said Dr. Robbyn Sockolow, a pediatric gastroenterologist in New York City. “Unfortunately, the symptoms of GERD can significantly limit children’s daily activities, such as participating in afterschool hobbies. It’s important that parents and kids know the role healthy eating habits play in managing this condition.”

Ready, Set, Cook and Eat will be held at two elementary schools in Orlando and Kansas City. Three teams of four (kids ages 6-12 and adults together) will be given a “SURPRISE” grocery sack of food supplies. Each team will have limited kitchen equipment and approximately 30 to 40 minutes to prepare a tasty, appealing, nutritious food item from their ingredients. The grocery bags given to the teams are staged with an outcome in mind (snack, breakfast on-the-go, entrée, etc.)

In addition, pediatricians and gastroenterologists will be on hand at the events to provide health information and answer questions.

For more information about GERD, tips for GERD-friendly foods for the whole family, and to learn about the “Habits for Health” campaign, please visit www.healthykidschallenge.com.

Healthy Kids Challenge is a national non-profit organization with the mission to use everyday ways to guide schools, communities, and programs in creating solutions to help kids and families Connect Health And Needs, Get Excited (C.H.A.N.G.E). In 2003-04, Healthy Kids Challenge was the recipient of the American Dietetics Association Anita Owen award for the Most Innovative Educational Program. That same year, Vickie James (R.D, L.D.) was honored by the ADA Foundation as the national recipient of the Award for Excellence in Community Dietetics. Since 1998, Healthy Kids Challenge has been making healthy eating and physical activity CHANGE a success by using a “start where you are” approach, an “every day” process for change, and making familiar environments where kids and families live, learn, work, and play FUN and HEALTHY!

AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare business engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of prescription pharmaceuticals and the supply of healthcare services. It is one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies with healthcare sales of $26.47 billion and leading positions in sales of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neuroscience, respiratory, oncology and infection products. AstraZeneca is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (Global) as well as the FTSE4Good Index.

In the United States, AstraZeneca is a $12.44 billion healthcare business with more than 12,000 employees. For nearly three decades, AstraZeneca has offered drug assistance programs side by side with its medicines, and over the past five years, has provided over $3 billion in savings to more than 1 million patients throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. AstraZeneca has been named one of the “100 Best Companies for Working Mothers” by Working Mother magazine and is the only large pharmaceutical company named to FORTUNE magazine’s 2007 list of “100 Best Companies to Work For”. In 2006, for the fifth consecutive year, Science magazine named AstraZeneca a “Top Employer” on its ranking of the world’s most respected biopharmaceutical employers.

For more information about AstraZeneca, please visit: www.astrazeneca-us.com

For more information about GERD please visit: www.GERD.com or for information on pediatric GERD visit www.HealthyKidz.com

• Recent testimony from the Association of State & Territorial Public Health Nutrition Directors to the Future Practice and Education Task Force of the American Dietetic Association, the following statement: For entry-level dietitians, additional skills will be needed. “We expect an explosion of community-based interventions in the future.”
• New graduates in dietetics show a growing interest in community practice but indicate limited knowledge and skill development at the entry level.

BYOU, B Healthy…..Sabrina Bryan Teams up with Healthy Kids Challenge

Wichita, KS. – March 13, 2007- Healthy Kids Challenge, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to guiding schools and community programs using easy educational strategies for kids and families, is teaming up with young adult actress and singer Sabrina Bryan to promote how fun and easy being YOU and being healthy can be! Bryan, one of the lead actresses in Disney Channel’s hit movie, The Cheetah Girls, has her own initiative called BYou.

The Byou message is to be happy and healthy by embracing a healthy and active lifestyle. BYou is a dance-fitness video for kids and is also a CD Soundtrack. “I’m really excited about being a part of the Healthy Kids Challenge,“ Bryan said. “The Healthy Kids Challenge global approach to healthy habits fits with embracing who you are. You don’t have to be great at sports to be healthy or give up all your favorite foods either. Healthy Kids Challenge provides easy to follow ideas to make it simple for kids and families to live a balanced lifestyle,” she continued.

Before childhood obesity became front-page headlines, Healthy Kids Challenge was applying strategies to establish healthy habits for kids in schools 8 years ago. Now the organization has grown to over 2000 schools in all 50 states. Their work also includes corporations, worksite wellness, and community programs.

Vickie James, R.D., LD, director of Healthy Kids Challenge said, “We’re really excited about Sabrina and her efforts with young people. She’s a bundle of energy and will provide the motivation to be more active while offering encouraging messages that all foods can fit in a healthy balanced lifestyle.” Bryan emphasizes the need to bring practical tools to support kids, moms and dads, to all environments where kids and families live, learn, work, and play.

“It’s one thing to tell kids to eat better or to move more. It’s another to actually show them, and work right along side them, and that’s what we’re doing with BYou and Healthy Kids Challenge,” added Bryan.

“I would love to see every school and community youth program in the nation Take the Challenge with HKC,” said James. “Sabrina is going to help us make that possible.”

More information can be found at www.healthykidschallenge.com/byou.php.

$2.3 Million Grant to Make a Difference for Kids

Schools Take the Challenge of Service

Wichita, KS. - December 2, 2005 -Two schools provided an amazing response to our Wednesday WOWS newsletter plea Take the Challenge of Service for Hurricane Katrina disaster support!

Blue Mountain Elementary West, Friedensburg, PA., used an existing school service program to contribute assistance for hurricane victims in dire need.

KidLinks run a Dress Down to Help Others program each month. School faculty/staff who want to participate donate $5.00 to “dress down” on Fridays during the month. The collected money is sent to a worthy organization or charity.

During September the American Red Cross was chosen and faculty/staff joined forces with the PTA who also collected at the Back to School Night event for hurricane relief. School community spirit was evident as KidLinks came together for this special cause!

Bethesda Elementary, Atlanta, GA., gathered students, teachers, staff members, and the PTA together to give of their time, talents, energy and monies.
In only 10 days they accomplished the following:

• Mardi Gras beads were sold, raising over $3600 for the American Red Cross.
• A canned food drive filled over 100 boxes for victims.
• Staff members donated time to the Salvation Army relief efforts.
• A faculty member and family traveled with relief boxes to the disaster areas.

Bethesda Elementary continues to provide meals, clothing and school related items for hurricane families relocating to their school.

Healthy Kids Challenge applauds the efforts of Blue Mountain Elementary West and Bethesda Elementary! In response, HKC will also provide a donation to the American Red Cross.

Kansas Kids C.A.N.

Wichita, KS. – November 28, 2005 - Kansas kids are battling rising obesity rates just like the rest of the nation. Now, fighting the battle became easier thanks to a three year grant provided by the Sunflower Foundation: Health Care for Kansans, a Topeka-based philanthropic organization with the mission to serve as a catalyst for improving the health of Kansans.

The three year grant, led by Healthy Kids Challenge and in partnership with the Pioneer Health Network, is helping connect local hospitals, programs, and schools to make a healthy difference. Recipients of a grant in 16 area counties will receive resources and hands-on training to help Kansas Kids Connect Activity and Nutrition (C.A.N.)!

The vision for “Kansas Kids C.A.N.” is to add or enhance a nutrition and physical activity component to existing kid’s programs and schools without creating a great need for extra time, resources, or funding. Leaders from 24 kids programs attended the first Kansas Kids C.A.N. Workshop, “Teaming Up for Kids!” where they practiced fun activity ideas and use of the resources. These first year programs also brainstormed actions to share their resources and use mentoring to help other community kids programs Connect Activity and Nutrition.

Here is what participants had to say about the workshop:

Kansas Kids C.A.N. Workshop Participants

"I think this is a GREAT program! It exceeded my expectations! "

"Wow, what an amazing collection of materials! We should be able to make a difference with these resources!" Principal

"Great seminar! This program will make a difference in the lives of our children and their future!" Nurse Practitioner

"I was unsure how a library setting would work under this grant. It is doable!" Community Librarian

"This is a great program and I’m proud that I am getting involved."

Why You Should Care: These programs will make huge contributions to the future of their communities, not only impacting quality of life and health care costs, but also in bringing people together for a fun, healthy cause.

Healthy Kids Challenge Participates in Prestigious Institute of Medicine Symposium

Names from left to right; Disa Rice, Claudia Hohnbaum, Sherrie Kisker, Vickie James, Carolyn Barry

Wichita, KS. - June 27/28, 2005 - More than 100 people from 20 states and Washington, D.C., joined together at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Wichita, Ks., June 27th and 28th to discuss solutions for childhood obesity. The conference was the first of three regional meetings initiated by the prestigious Institute of Medicine.

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) is part of the National Academy of Sciences and is an adviser to the nation on health related subjects. In the fall of 2004, the IOM produced a report called “Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in the Balance”.

Healthy Kids Challenge was well represented at the invitation only conference of leaders that focused on healthy change solutions in schools. Director, Vickie L. James, R.D., L.D., and Assistant Director, Claudia L. Hohnbaum, M.A., R.D., L.D., were not only participants in the regional symposium, but, Ms. James was honored with the opportunity to provide day two opening remarks by reviewing key points and lessons identified from the previous day's speakers. "There is a disconnection between knowledge and action when it comes to making healthy lifestyle choices. Wellness is an attitude we must develop by teaching simple, every day ways to help kids and families enjoy making healthy living a habit.", said Vickie L. James, R.D., L.D. in her opening address.

HKC partners from across the Midwest region were also in attendance including, Platte County Health Department and Siegrist Elementary, Platte City, MO.; Tulsa OK. Public Schools; University of Colorado School of Pharmacy, Denver, CO.; and Oliver Foundation, Houston, TX. The HKC Platte County, Missouri initiative was part of a panel sharing success stories for integrating healthy eating and activity into the school environment. "With family and school time being pulled in so many different directions, it's easy to lose sight of the really important issues……quality of life for our kids”, shared Carolyn Barry, Principal, Siegrist Elementary.

Dr. Jeffrey Koplan, former director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and current chair of the IOM Committee on Prevention of Obesity in Children and Youth, Emory University, Atlanta, GA., reminded the eager and concerned audience that this is going to take time and that there is no quick fix. Truly understanding Dr. Koplan’s message and vantage point working with the public, Platte County Missouri Health Educator, Sherrie Kisker reiterated, “It is essential that families, schools, and communities are all engaged in working together to create a healthier environment for our children.”

“One step at a time, we can make a difference today, for tomorrow.”

Healthy Kids Challenge Takes Unprecedented Steps Forward by Teaming with CIGNA to Address Childhood Obesity

The joint effort will provide nutrition and fitness guidance to schools, employers and physicians.

Philadelphia, PA, October 21, 2004 –Healthy Kids Challenge announced today a three-year collaboration with CIGNA HealthCare to develop and implement programs with CIGNA that drive behavioral changes in many important settings.

Vickie James, director of the Healthy Kids Challenge said, "CIGNA and the Healthy Kids Challenge are teaming to set the standard for the way health professionals, schools, and families work together to battle the childhood obesity issue."

CIGNA will sponsor up to 100 schools to participate in the Healthy Kids Challenge beginning in Philadelphia, Cleveland, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas and Richmond. In addition, CIGNA and Healthy Kids Challenge will provide physicians with information and tools to lead the way for change that supports healthy eating and physical activity habits. In recognition of the importance of making a healthy difference everywhere kids and families live, learn, work, and play, CIGNA will also offer a Healthy Kids Challenge for Employers program. The employer-based program will be piloted with CIGNA employees in early 2005.

The need for healthy change is great. According to Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are nine million overweight children in the United States, a number that has tripled over the past 25 years.

According to Dr. Lorna Friedman, senior medical director, CIGNA HealthCare, “obesity is becoming an epidemic in this country and today’s children are one of the most at risk populations. Our collaboration with the Healthy Kids Challenge enables us to expand nutrition and fitness messages through multiple vehicles and help address is growing health concern. ”

The Healthy Kids Challenge is the nationally recognized, award winning nonprofit organization offering a multi-level approach of assistance to schools, programs, and communities to create healthy eating and physical activity opportunities EVERYWHERE kids live, learn, work and play.

As a Business of Caring, CIGNA (NYSE: CI) provides employers with benefits, expertise and services that improve the health, well being and productivity of their employees. Serving millions of customers, clients and members in the United States and around the globe, CIGNA's operating subsidiaries offer a full portfolio of medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy and vision care benefits and group life, accident and disability insurance. CIGNA's international operations also offer health care coverage for expatriate employees. For more information, go to http://www.cigna.com

Healthy Kids Challenge Receives National Dairy Council Nutrition Education Grants

June 9, 2004

Healthy Kids Challenge recently received two regional/state level grant awards, one for Kansas and the other for Oklahoma!

The National Dairy Council’s Nutrition Education Grant program addresses America’s low calcium intake and supports the consumer education program,”3-A-Day of Dairy.” Organizations or individuals are awarded grants for developing nutrition education programs to empower kids to be advocates for healthy eating, an active lifestyle and a healthy weight.

The HKC grant project is called “Dairy Dazzling Calcium Carnival” and will provide child educators a user friendly, fun way of teaching the 3-A-Day of Dairy message. Six stations will feature carnival games, such as “3-A-Day Bone Bingo” and “Milk Bottle Toss.” The games will be designed to include active play, cooperative learning, and teamwork. The project design is such that the games can be set up in a gym, cafeteria, or playground for a special event, as well as used independently for teaching modules in a classroom or program setting.

“We’re very excited to have the privilege of receiving not one but two of the grant awards and look forward to working with schools in Kansas and Oklahoma to further the 3-A-Day message. HKC has a very strong working relationship with Midwest Dairy Council and the National Dairy Council as well. Partnerships with organizations such as these are what help us make a true difference for kids!” said Vickie L. James, RD, LD, and director of Healthy Kids Challenge.

Healthy Kids Challenge Receives Recognition Grant from the Kansas Health Foundation

May 14, 2004

Recognition Grants support grassroots organizations across the state promoting health in Kansas. The Kansas Health Foundation awards grants in three major funding categories: children’s health, leadership, and public health.

Healthy Kids Challenge plans to establish a Kansas state model school with exemplary fitness and nutrition education for children and their families. This will be accomplished by the joint organizations of Healthy Kids Challenge (HKC), based in Kansas, a nonprofit organization dedicated to guiding schools and community programs in taking action steps to make healthy living a habit; and Project Fit America (PFA), a nonprofit organization that administers academic programs to schools to develop cardiovascular health and lifetime fitness education.

This is the first time that two national nonprofit organizations such as HKC and PFA have collaborated in such a way to further the potential outcomes of health benefits for kids and families. The program will be implemented at Scott City Elementary, Scott City, Kansas. The unique design will address such issues as self-esteem, positive body image, healthy eating, fitness as fun, and utilize state of the art fitness/playground equipment; as well as healthy changes in message and policy for physical activity and healthy eating within the school environment.

Cooking Light Partners with Healthy Kids Challenge To Provide Healthy Habits for America’s Youth

Birmingham, ALA -- Healthy Kids Challenge (HKC), the nation's leading school-based health initiative, and Cooking Light, the world's largest and most popular healthy living magazine, have joined forces in a unique partnership to encourage children and their families to make healthful eating and physical activity a lifetime habit.

The extended partnership between Cooking Light and HKC grew out of a successful pilot program, which included in-school programs and educational programming at a series of community events.

Healthy Kids Challenge's flexible, "start where you are" program provides creative ideas and resources for making healthy living fun and easy. HKC targets three actions for ongoing change: building skills for making healthy eating and physical activity choices; increasing opportunities to make healthy choices; and linking schools, programs, communities, families, and kids in partnerships. The credibility and wide reach of Cooking Light, through its monthly publication, active web site and ongoing programs, plus its database of thousands of kitchen-tested recipes, provide additional resources and opportunities for the program to grow and affect more Americans.

This long-term partnership comes at a pivotal time:

• Obesity among children has reached epidemic proportions, with an estimated 8.8 million children and adolescents ages 6-19 considered overweight or obese, which translates to 1 in 5 children being overweight.
• As funding in schools is cut across the country, time for physical activity, physical education, recess, and intramural and competitive sports programs are hit hard, providing fewer opportunities for children.
• Schools find it challenging with limited time, staff, and budgets to provide healthy school meals, compete with outside vendors, and provide sufficient healthy eating education.

“The collaboration between Cooking Light and Healthy Kids Challenge allows us to make an impact in teaching healthy lifestyle habits at an early age, through school programs, public awareness campaigns and educational seminars,” said Chris Allen, Publisher. “We are pleased to take a leading role in this important initiative.”

“The obesity problem in America did not happen overnight, and the “fix” is not easy. Through a strong national partnership with Cooking Light, we are able to offer hope and positive results to kids and families through simple, fun and achievable solutions. We challenge individuals, families, schools, corporations, and communities to join us in this cause,” said Vickie L. James, registered, licensed dietitian (RD) and Director of Healthy Kids Challenge. “ Our goal is healthy kids and families by 2010.”

* * * *

Founded in 1987, Cooking Light is the largest food and fitness magazine in the country, reaching more than 10 million consumers. The magazine is published by Birmingham-based Southern Progress Corporation, a subsidiary of Time Inc. Since its inception, the magazine has consistently achieved record-breaking advertising and circulation growth. The Cooking Light Web site, CookingLight.com, attracts nearly a million unique visitors monthly.

From its origin with Cooking Light as a pilot program in 1998, Healthy Kids Challenge has grown to become an independent, national non-profit initiative. Its mission is to use every day ways to guide schools, communities, and programs in creating solutions to help kids and families C.H.A.N.G.E - Connect Health And Needs, Get Excited! Based in Kansas, and led by two registered dietitians, the award-winning Healthy Kids Challenge has most recently received the American Dietetic Association’s 2003-04 Anita Owen Award for Most Innovative Educational Program for the Public.

November 2, 2003

The Healthy Kids Challenge was awarded not one, but two national awards at the American Dietetic Association Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo, held in San Antonio, Texas.

Healthy Kids Challenge was the 2003 recipient of the Anita Owen

2003 ADA Awards

Award of Recognition for Innovative Education Programs for the Public. This award recognizes the work of Healthy Kids Challenge, and the program’s contribution to public education by providing creative and FUN ways to help kids, families and schools make healthy changes with eating and physical activity. “Such creative dietitians and a wonderful program, a privilege to honor them”, exclaimed Ms. Anita Owen herself, the founder of the award and a former ADA national president.

In addition to the prestigious Anita Owen Award, Vickie L. James, RD, LD, the Healthy Kids Challenge creator and director, was selected to receive the ADA Award of Excellence in Community Dietetics, 2003. “ A champion for a championship program best describes Vickie James’ dedication to helping others develop a healthier lifestyle that can impact their health for a lifetime", stated Stella Cash, Past Chairman of the Board of Directors, American Dietetic Association Foundation

Healthy Kids Challenge Receives $50,000 Grant to Help Kids

November 4, 2003

The Polk Family Charitable Fund, Chicago, Illinois has awarded a $50,000 grant to Healthy Kids Challenge. The award is to be used for the continuation and expansion of HKC national efforts to engage young people in improving healthy eating and physical activity habits.

“We hope that this grant will help you reach more people that may benefit from the Healthy Kids Challenge and also help attract additional funders.” stated Howard Polk, Major Grants Committee Chair for the Polk Family Charitable Fund, in the award letter to HKC director, Vickie L. James, RD, LD.

“We are very honored and excited to receive this grant award from the Polk Family Charitable Fund. The competition for grant funds is huge, and there are many good programs out there who are seeking extra grant funds to grow their cause. I think our success in being awarded the grant was in part our ability to show how the HKC model can create healthy change opportunities with a very large volume of kids, families, and programs for a very modest dollar amount.” explained Vickie L. James, creator and director of Healthy Kids Challenge.

For more information about this award-winning program click here