The John Rex Endowment set a new priority in 2006 to promote healthy weight in Wake County's children.
Through the Healthy Weight Initiative, the John Rex Endowment invests in innovative projects to create environments in various settings which encourage healthy choices, improve access to nutritious foods and increase opportunities for physical activity.
More than 1,100 people have already signed up for the Healthy Brown Bag Lunch Challenge, which has been organized by Advocates for Health in Action (AHA). Participants have pledged to pack a healthy lunch for the week of March 26-30 in celebration of National Nutrition Month.
Walking trails, a picnic area, a community garden and sports programs are all part of an active plan to encourage exercise and healthy weight at Parrish Manor. Chris Parrish, founder and director of The Nessie Foundation, is building partnerships and making changes with a focus on improving the health of residents at the manufactured home community. Read more in The News & Observer about the healthier environment at Parrish Manor, which is evolving with the help of a three-year Healthy Places, Active Spaces grant funded by the John Rex Endowment .
The new Power2Play at Marbles Kids Museum gives children a place to skate, dribble, dance, climb, and try new activities. The exhibit is part of a Be Healthy, Be Active initiative, supported by a grant from the John Rex Endowment, to change attitudes and behavior by exposing families to healthy choices through hands-on, interactive play environments and programs. Watch the WRAL-TV news coverage of opening day.
Boys & Girls Club is making healthy options available for snacking. They are piloting a new healthy snack vending machine from Fresh Healthy Vending at the specific locations. Kids are participating in the process with taste tests, and the Entrepreneur Club is setting up HOT (Healthy Options Too) Spot concessions after school and at athletic events.
Advocates for Health in Action is teaming up with PTAs and schools around Wake County to get families moving and making healthier choices. This fall, AHA partnered with the North Carolina PTA (NCPTA) to offer a fun Parents Play Day at the Poe Center in Raleigh. In celebration and preparation for Worldwide Day of Play, parents participated in a grocery cart relay, limbo contest and a playground scavenger hunt.
Power2Play
Kids pedal, skate, leap and play hard while learning about healthy food choices at this latest exhibit at Marbles Kids Museum. The exhibit is part of a Healthy Active Families initiative.
Kids Learn Manners, Moves at Ballroom Dance Club
Fifth graders show off their new moves while participating at Washington Elementary Ballroom Dance Club which is one of many activities offered through a Wake to Wellness school grant.
Baucom Buddies Go the Distance
Nearly 350 students, in kindergarten through fifth grade, completed the final 1.2 miles of a "marathon" together in March. Baucom Elementary is one of 15 elementary schools receiving support through a Wake to Wellness grant.
[More Healthy Weight Initiative In The News]
The John Rex Endowment provides support for Advocates for Health in Action, a group of diverse organizations and community members who are shaping the environment throughout Wake County so healthful eating and physical activity are the way of life. For information, call Laura Aiken at (919) 350-8366.
As our community works together, new environments and resources are rapidly evolving. Learn more about the steps grant recipients and community groups are taking toward healthy weight for children.