Developing the Bronx Nutrition and Fitness Initiative for Teens (B’N Fit)

• 55 youth attended the summer day camp, substantially above the anticipated 40 participants.
• All youth increased their physical activity and vegetable and fruit intake and decreased their soda consumption.
• The B’N Fit Program was selected by New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service as a 2008–09 Capstone Client Organization.
• The B’N Fit staff held the program’s first fundraiser, a walkathon, in 2008 and raised $10,000 for summer camp and program expenses.

Michael outwardly laughed off or ignored the teasing and bullying he endured at his Bronx high school for being overweight, but the psychological effects were damaging. A nutrition and fitness program to improve the health and self-esteem of overweight/obese youth in the Bronx has given new hope to Michael and other high school students and their families.