Changing Children’s Lives by Transforming School System Policies
This project sought to reduce obesity rates for Niagara-area children by identifying and recommending new school system policies and other environmental changesGrantee Name
Health Association of Niagara County Inc
Funding Area
Special Projects Fund
Publication Date
October 2008
Grant Amount
$150,000
Grant Date:
January 2007 – December 2007
Recognizing that obesity in youth has lifelong negative effects, including increasing the likelihood of developing serious chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, this project sought to reduce obesity rates for Niagara-area children by identifying and recommending new school system policies and other environmental changes to promote healthy eating and increase physical activity.
Outcomes and Lessons Learned
- School staff and parents reacted positively to the food changes in the schools and thought that the district was working proactively to combat overweight and obesity.
- There was no opportunity to learn whether the Report Card prompted lifestyle changes.
- Few children responded to surveys regarding the nutrition and physical activity programs.