Healthy Choices, Healthy Kids Mid-Year Initiative Update

March, 2013

As you may know, in the fall of 2011 The Junior League of Reading, PA, Inc. launched its new multi-year Healthy Choices, Healthy Kids initiative, the goal of which is to help children engage in healthy lifestyle choices through education and opportunities.

Now in its second year, the initiative is gaining momentum and going strong! We have defined focus areas which include improving food literacy, encouraging physical activity, and fostering self-esteem in our youth. Through meetings with community leaders and other non-profit agencies, we have been raising awareness about these areas and the associated challenges that children face. Further, we have integrated nutritional awareness and physical activities into our annual events and developed specific programs that build self-esteem and help children engage in more positive behaviors.

Here is a brief look at what we have accomplished thus far in our second initiative year:

Summer 2012 – cultivated a garden at Glenside Elementary School to promote gardening as a means of improving food literacy, healthy eating, and encouraging physical outdoor activities as an alternative to TV and video games.
Fall 2012 – educated dozens of children at Glenside Elementary and their parents to improve food literacy and promote physical activity through several “Family, Food and Fitness Nights.”
October 2012 – brought together over ten youth-serving organizations to start discussing how to create an asset-building community for our youth; one that ultimately fosters self-esteem and promotes positive behaviors.
November 2012 – increased food access of over 125 children at Olivet Boys and Girls Club (Oakbrook Unit) by providing them with a wonderful Thanksgiving meal.
December 2012 – met the needs of 75 children in foster care through a holiday gift drive.
February 2013 – brought together over 200 community members to highlight and discuss the effects of media messages on the health of our youth through our public screening of the documentary Miss Representation.
February 2013 – fostered the self-esteem of 31 at-risk middle school girls and engaged them in leadership development and civic awareness through our 2nd Annual Young Women’s Summit.

On May 4, we also look forward to hosting our 8^th annual Touch-a-Truck event, designed to encourage physical activity and exploration for the 600+ children and their caregivers expected to attend. This year we are expanding healthy activities at the event to address nutrition and family health. More information on that event to come!

Through our meetings, our volunteer work, and our fund raisers, we have raised awareness about both our initiative and the challenges that today's youth face. As you can see from our work this year, our advocacy and our efforts have reached hundreds and are having a positive impact both on our youth and the community.

We thank you for your interest in our organization and are grateful to you for your continued support. We will continue to keep you informed of our progress and the impact that we are making in the community.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world.

Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." –Margaret Meade